I love art!

I love making art. I love looking at art. I love listening to artists talk about art.

When I heard iconic artist Yayoi Kusama was coming to Toronto, I marked my calendar to get in line for tickets. I even set my alarm so I would be one of the first in-line.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t the only one eagerly awaiting the opportunity to experience her creative magic. Over 60,000 people–yes I typed that correctly–were ahead of me in line to buy tickets. Needless to say, the show completely SOLD OUT and I was not one of the lucky ones to get a ticket.

On the one hand I was disappointed, and on the other hand I was in total awe.

As a teacher of the concept  “Follow Your Heart & Make Money,” I realized I was witnessing an artist who had done exactly that. Good for her.  A thriving artist in action. Hallelujah!

A few days later I casually mentioned my ticket blow to my parents, and to my utter surprise and delight they happened to have 2 extra tickets to this coveted show.

Boom! Just like that, I was in!

 

I felt like I got a magic ticket and that set the tone for the boundless brilliance that would unfold.

The AGO (stands for Art Gallery of Ontario) set the tone right at the front door… they had covered their sign with polka-dots in honor of Kusama’s polka-dot obsession.

 

The exhibit was set up as a series of rooms called “Infinity Mirorrs.” These are experiential rooms that offer immersive spaces that embrace and envelop you in a never-ending reality of whimsy and mystery.  Here I am in a sea of polka-dots with my mom and my partner, Kevin Thom.

 

Room after room, there were dots and more dots. Once you think you’ve seen all the polka-dots you could possibly see, you discover there are more… an infinite amount more!

The smiles just get bigger and bigger with each dot.

 

Throughout the show there were circles (just another word for dot) filled with quotes and information about Kusama’s life and philosophy.

I learned that she paints, sculpts, designs orgy costumes and creates art every day as her own personal meditation practice.

 

You just help but smile in the midst of all this magic!

 

Kevin and I had fun finding each other in through the lens of infinity.

My favorite part of the whole show was the final infitity room. It felt like stepping into a cosmic ocean where every wish could be granted. I imagine a million wishes have been cast in this room!

 

The best thing about Kusama’s show is the interaction and the embodied experience her art invites.

I went completely dotty for Kusama’s show!

I tip my hat, and bow at the feet of artists that passionately commit to their creative expression in service of expanding the cultural consciousness. I believe artists play such an important role in society to open our hearts, our minds, and stretch us to perceive life in new ways.

Through the power of Kusama’s art my capacity for joy stretched into infinity!

Let’s celebrate the art and artists that have changed our lives.

I’d love to hear about some of your magical art experiences.

• Who are your favorite artists?
• What art exhibits have touched your soul on a deep level?
• How has art changed you?

Share in the comments below the artists and art exhibits that have touched your soul!

Inspire someone today! Share “Going Dotty” with your friends!