Torpedo Factory Art Center, Alexandria, VA, USA  |  Google Maps

The juror selected my painting, Routines, to be in the October 2022 Patterns Exhibit

Routine carries a quiet dual nature: it can feel like a protective anchor or a subtle cage.

When routine serves us, it brings a grounding sense of predictability and ease. It lowers the mental noise of decision-making, offering a stable framework where the mind can rest or focus without constantly recalculating the next step. There is comfort in familiar rhythms—the warmth of a morning brew, the steady sequence of the daily commute, the reliable cadence of familiar tasks. It creates a sanctuary of control in a world that often feels unpredictable.

However, when routine turns rigid or mindless, that comfort can slowly shift into inertia. The days begin to blur together, losing their distinct contrast, and life can feel like it is running on an invisible assembly line. It brings a feeling of auto-pilot, where actions are repeated automatically while presence fades. Finding meaning within routine often comes down to balance—using structure to build peace and momentum without losing the conscious awareness that keeps everyday life feeling alive.