Artist Statement: Autumn is an in-between season. Leaves on trees change colour and are beautiful to our eyes. As the leaves fall, they signal a tree is preparing to survive a long, cold winter. Like leaves, when we fall due to sadness when restrictions are imposed, or anxiety when restrictions are lifted maybe we can use those feelings and emotions to prepare ourselves to survive challenging circumstances.

Maybe in the process of falling we can learn to grow stronger as prolonged lockdowns are imposed—after all going downhill can mean there is a path to return uphill to the top.

Living through lockdowns has provided many people with the opportunity to pause and reflect on many things. For some, social distancing restrictions and staying at home has allowed their creative abilities space in which to grow. New ways to entertain ourselves and to develop our talents have been created. By the end of it all, many individuals come out of the lockdowns as a new person with a new outlook on life.

Like leaves in autumn, we can fall but hopefully with purpose—to allow space for new growth after the long, cold winter is over. —Daniel Grancaric