I love art and the process of being creative and the idea of making something out of a blank page, but I've never really had a painting or piece of art "speak to me" (unless we're considering shoes as art - then a lot of pieces of art speak to me)...At least until I discovered Indonesian artist, Elicia Edijanto. 

Elicia's art is primarily done in black watercolor, and is inspired by nature and, specifically, the relationship between humans and nature. Each painting is a beautiful, eerie, dreamlike depiction of powerful animals with children. I love the juxtaposition of the wild animals paired with the gentle innocence of the children that Elicia paints.

In her words, she says, "My subjects are often children and animals because they are honest, sincere, unprejudiced and unpretentious. It will be easier for people to feel the emotions. They give me so much inspiration for particular mood or atmosphere, such as tranquility, solemnity, and also wildness and freedom, which I put on my paintings."

Children have a natural bond with animals and nature, and it seems that the older most people get, the further removed from nature they become. Which is why I love the reminder that her artwork gives of the importance of the interconnectedness between humans and nature. Check out a few of my favorites below and see more of her incredible art at instagram.com/eliciaedijanto.

As a group of frogs were traveling through the woods, two of them fell into a deep pit.

All the other frogs gathered around the pit. When they saw how deep the pit was, they told the two frogs that they were done because there was no way they could come back up.

The two frogs decided to ignore the things the other frogs were saying, and tried to jump out of the pit with all of their might.

Despite their efforts, the two frogs failed every single time. The group of frogs at the top of the pit continued to scream to them that they should give up because there was no way they would ever make it out of the pit.

Eventually, one of the frogs took heed to what the other frogs were saying and gave up. He fell down and died.

The other frog didn’t give up, and continued to jump as hard as he could. Once again, the crowd of frogs yelled at him to stop the pain and just let it go.

The frog tried even harder, and finally made it out.

When the frog got out, the other frogs said to him, “Did you not hear us?”

The frog with a confused look on his face just looked straight at them, and explained to the other frogs that he was deaf. Throughout the entire time, the deaf frog thought the other crowd of frogs were encouraging him.

I love this old story because of the things it teaches me. The first lesson that comes to mind with this story, is that words are incredibly powerful and they can change a person’s life. Be that positive person that provides those words of encouragement, because those words can make a big difference in this world. Although that is a powerful message, I believe this story has a deeper meaning than just that single lesson.

As you might have already experienced in your life, you will find people that will try to discourage you from your goals because they believe it’s impossible, and they might be right. What you are trying to do might truly be impossible for them, but it might not be impossible for you. Don’t let anyone tell you what you can or can’t achieve. You are the only one who can decide that. When you have a goal or dream, be deaf to the rest of the world. Focus on what you want, and keep on trying and pushing and fighting until you get it, no matter how long it takes.

Embrace your weakness, because within that weakness you might end up finding your strength. When you learn to mute those who try to discourage you and become deaf to the world when it comes to your goals in life, you will be amazed at the things you will be able to achieve. 

As basic as it sounds, one of my favorite things to do is to enjoy the sunset whenever I get the chance to do so. Besides the simple fact that sunsets are a breathtaking gift of nature, to me, watching the sunset is also a great way to wind down after a productive workday. No matter where you view it from, each one is unique and beautiful. So sit back, relax, and enjoy some sunsets