Image © Trevor Anzai 2023

Available at Wilf & Ada’s restaurant in Ottawa, Ontario. Acrylic on canvas. $370.

A motivating word guides my year. This word inspires and encourages me, even though I may not know what will happen. This comes from a New Year’s tradition I’ve started with my wife. We share handwritten cards with our loved ones on the Epiphany in early January. We pray for words that might encourage our family and friends. Some of the words that came up last year were “blossom,” “perseverance,” “trust,” and “hope.” We write the motivating words on these cards and randomly give them away, not knowing who will get which word.

This painting was inspired by the word I received in 2023. I opened the card, and the word I saw written was “light.” As I incorporated this word into my artwork, I thought of a setting sun my wife and I saw while on vacation last summer. We were on our way to New Brunswick, and we saw this sunset near Rivière-du-Loups in Quebec. It was glaringly spectacular and bright!

The sun is a gentle reminder that all will be well. In our lives, there are seasons of trial and suffering. Recent situations brought this to the forefront for me. This past year, I grieved the loss of a loved one in our family and struggled with health problems. A setting sun reminds me that these seasons come to an end. Although the light will go away for a time, the good news is that the sun will rise tomorrow. Hold onto hope, for a new beginning awaits. This artwork is a complement to a second painting, “Beginning,” which continues this theme of light.

View more artwork here!