A painting of a woman with black hair and a red dahlia in her hair with little bees. She is touching a flaming heart symbol with pins. Around her head is the quote, "We are all of us in the gutters. But some of us are looking at the stars" to inspire. Painting by Holly Dai

Finding the stars when you find yourself in the gutter **

Home ยป Finding the stars when you find yourself in the gutter **

We are all of us in the gutter, some of us are looking at the stars.

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Do song lyrics ever inspire you? I didn’t know growing up that this quote was more than just a song lyric. I heard it as a peppy tuned with a line the stood out sung by the rock goddess Chrissy Hines of The Pretenders. It was written into this song The Message of Love. But as a song lyric, it became more of a mantra and an inspiration.

But this line was actually written by Irish Poet, Oscar Wilde

For some, this may mean that we universally have bad experiences but positivity can be found. But for me, I have always thought of it as a means to aspire to rise up from “the gutter.”

To reach the brilliant, the sparkle, and the brightness that may be unattainable but we find resilience in reaching for the stars.

A reflection on “stargazing” 2020

So many things have been brought into perspective since the world has changed. I have been actively finding community and like minded individuals who are more than ever, interested in being aware of how they impact their world around them.

From supporting causes they believe in, to finding humanity and empathy beyond their scope and culture. I challenge you to look into the things you consume, to be an active voice, to not be complacent. I promise in return to continue to be involved, to learn, and take ownership of my mistakes, assumptions, and privileges.

About this painting

Original thumbnail sketch of the woman touching her symbolic heart.

It all started with a page of sketches for future paintings I made based on song lyrics in 2012. That is all they became. I never did move beyond my ideas for a painting series but I kept these thumbnails, as a “someday.”

If this inspires you too you can get this painting is available as a print here.

I hope you continue to reach up and find your own stars!

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