Embarking on a New Journey with Chasing Horizons — A Solo Art Presentation
By Marisabel Gonzalez
As we approach the end of the year, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and
celebrate the culmination of a significant artistic journey. Today, I’m thrilled to share
the date for my upcoming solo presentation, Chasing Horizons, at Hake House.
The Beginnings of Chasing Horizons
This journey started with a burst of inspiration when I was selected as a semi-finalist for the Lucca Biennale Cartasia in Italy. Although my name didn’t make it to the final round, this experience became a catalyst for Chasing Horizons. I took a reflective pause, and that time allowed the series to grow and evolve. While it was disappointing not to progress further in the Biennale, the experience reshaped my trajectory, inviting an introspective exploration of my goals and creative aspirations. This moment of re-evaluation became a central theme that pushed this collection to
a new level.
Themes of Growth, Reflection, and Empowerment
This series tells a story that blends personal growth with the universal journey of
chasing dreams. The collection reflects on the highs and lows often accompanying
our most ambitious endeavours by intertwining themes of resilience, self-discovery,
and empowerment. The pieces explore the concept of progress — of moving forward despite setbacks — and encourage viewers to connect with their aspirations. Through abstract forms, layered colours, and expressive mark-making, the aim is to build a bridge between reality and imagination and offer the viewers a chance to see themselves reflected in this creative pursuit.
Setting Goals That Scare You but Get You What You Want
I had a serendipitous moment today. I listened to a podcast in which Amy Porterfield interviewed Dr. Benjamin Hardy, author of “10x is easier than 2x.” In this episode, they explored the psychology of self-development and the mind-blowing benefits of setting “impossible” goals. What a great interview -it makes me want to read that book!
The conversation on this podcast led me to the theme of my upcoming exhibition, which delves into the ups and downs of “reaching for the stars.” I want to share some lines and thoughts I had while creating this body of work.
“Horizon -
an extension of one's dreams
where the known and the unknown meet.
The place where the earthly and heavenly,
and the natural and supernatural, play and live.
Infinite possibilities -
Can I reach?”
While I may not be a poet, I’m genuinely excited to share this collection with you! My hope is to inspire you and spark your enthusiasm to think deeply about this topic. When preparing these paintings, I had to ask myself: What do I want on my horizon? And what does ‘Cashing Horizons’ mean to me? What am I willing to give up or accept from this process? Am I really comfortable with being uncomfortable. Although I haven’t reached my destination yet, nor do I have the answers to all of these questions, I am enjoying the journey to get where I am supposed to be.
A Save-the-Date to Remember
This series is more than a showcase; it’s a shared experience — a space to connect, reflect, and celebrate our collective journey toward personal milestones. I look forward to sharing this body of work with you and hope it inspires you as much as creating it has inspired me.
Exhibition dates: Nov 22nd to Dec 9th 2024
Opening Night: Nov 22nd at 6 pm
Location: Hake House of Art. 1/275 Harbord Rd. Dee Why