A Work of Art & Thank You!

On By ResaIn Reblogs, Thank You's

For Yvette

It was a lovely honour to be the focus of a Mini-Interview on Yvette’s Priorhouse blog.

I sent this to Yvette, so she could see the image I was using to say Thank You to her.

Resa @ Graffiti Lux & Murals PRIORHOUSE INTERVIEW 26 January2026

Resa – That image is like me & many …blogging, trying to keep up.

Yvette – That really could apply to blogging, and keeping up during a busy season.

Yvette – I also think it could apply to life – and just enduring a challenging season. There is a certain contentment I feel in that art – with a certain suffering or enduring and I think in another way there might be a hint of performance burnout – ?

Resa – I also think it can apply to life.

Yvette – Especially when you see the full photo – or is that part of the contentment feel- the balancing on one arm and the placement of that other arm is a bit athletic, sure, strong, poised, and in motion – and that adds to it. 

Yvette – Oh and the other elements/principles in that photo street art – we have the soft blue going across the body into the green – giving us this horizontal split that syncs with the body – other line designs stand out – like the hair being in sync with the background and other line design.

Yvette – And you know, the legs stood out on the third look – that is a strong pose – to be sideways – are those “eagle” legs? either way – that is why this feels strong and poised and enduring – 

Resa – Thank you, Yvette! What a wonderful interpretation of this piece of art.

Pics taken by Resa – June 27, 2025

Toronto, Canada

The Artist:

Karen Roberts

250 thoughts on “A Work of Art & Thank You!”

    1. Hello Violet!
      It is a garage door painting. There are lots of alleys in Toronto where many have painted garage doors.

      It’s so great going for alley walks and finding art.

      Reply

    1. Yvette had mentioned “break dancing”, after her first thoughts. I didn’t see that, but maybe I’m all wrong.

      Yes, at one with the elements. Thanks Beth!

      Reply

    1. Flow…yes! Dancing.. I don’t get that, except for the movement. I feel falling (flowing down), trying to stay afloat.

      That’s me though, trying to stay afloat in the tides and swirls of life’s energy.

      At that point, I can say the “dance of life.”
      ✿~ ❦♥︎❦ 🕊 ❦♥︎❦ ~✿

      Reply

    1. Thanks Dave!
      Yvette really got her mind into this one. I love her interpretation.
      Yet, in the alley, there was o much art. All of the doors were painted so almost no one door stood out.
      As I post them 1 by 1, each becomes important unto itself.

      Reply

    2. Thanks Dave – and resa, I would like to walk thru that alley!! also, I like how you noted that sharing the murals separately increases individual appreciation for them

      Reply

    1. Yes!
      Love your interpretation dear Holly.
      You, we, me can do anything. Or we can at least try. If we fall, we will land on a hand, to try again. xoxoxoxoxoxo

      Reply

            1. Aww, well not as busy as I used to be. Still, a lot of spunk’n’energy left!… enough to keep us in gowns and art, anyway.
              Love you dear Meece!
              xoxoxoxoxoxo

              Reply

    2. Holly, I also like your depiction of the subject and “I’m falling but I’m strong” and that is empowering to read again – and resa, yes, we might land on a hand – but canget back up – one day at time…

      Reply

        1. My mother has a saying that says “you are up until you win” and my husband used to tease “what exactly does that mean” and I think she means there is NOT a three strikes you are out – because no – we keep getting back up – heal and recover as needed – cos some of those falls can really shape us for the better – and then others drain and pull – and so we repair and walk slowly as we get back to keepin on!

          Reply

    1. Thank you, Aladin!
      You hit the nail on the head for me.
      When I’m alone in the alleys with: the birds, squirrels, mice, rats, raccoons and art- there is no chaos. All is in order.

      ✿~ ❦♥︎❦ 🕊 ❦♥︎❦ ~✿

      Reply

    2. Aladin, I really like your comment because it does fit this street art wonder: Simply immerse yourself in solitude to escape the chaos of the world – and then return replenished and ready to connect

      Reply
  11. Timothy Price's avatar Timothy Price

    That is an excellent mural. The subject is strong and athletic. It looks to me like the young woman is breakdancing. Caught in a transition , before she turns over to spin on her back.

    Reply

    1. Hi Price, I felt that breakdancing pause too. It was the legs that made me feel that – because that placement of the ankle on the knee shows advanced skills in transition.

      However, when resa sent me the face in detail, I felt the layered and subtle messages of maybe falling, enduring, or digging deep for grit in the midst od some life sh**. – hahah

      cheers

      Reply
      1. Timothy Price's avatar Timothy Price

        I always saw breakdance as a lot of falling involved, be it controlled. I believe you are right in your interpretation of falling, and also breakdancing can be an expression of grit, enduring, and digging deep in my sorry and humble opinion.

        Reply

        2. I like how you refer to it as the controlled falling – and digging deep.
          This post and comment thread has been a lot of fun for me – and so thanks for coming back to follow up with the comment.
          In fact, earlier I was thinking about it again – this mural might actually show us a pause – or split second hold
          a hold like that happens for a split second – where the dancer swings into the one hand balance – poses briefly- and then feet go back down and back into the dance
          Maybe…
          What looks like a held pose is really a brief balance point in motion. The swing of the body creates just enough counterforce to suspend the dancer for an instant — ankle over knee, arm strong on hand — and then both feet return to the ground and the dance continues

          Reply
          1. Timothy Price's avatar Timothy Price

            Absolutely. From my photographic perspective, the dancer is caught in the decisive moment (Henri Cartier-Bresson). A split second, a minuscule pause that defines manifold gestures, feelings, and perspectives from one dance move to the next. It’s like Edward James Muggeridge, known as the photographer who froze time. In 1927. He showed a sequence of frozen frames of a horse running that proved all four hooves left the ground at one point while the horse was running.

            Reply

            1. Wow – what a layered comment and guess what?

              I recently saw a re-run of mysteries at the museum (Season 5) that featured Edward James Muggeridge! – and highlighted the horse galloping you mentioned – and those freeze frames – and the episode was about how his early work (1878) DIRECTLY led to the development of the film industry.
              **
              I have not heard the name of Cartier-Bresson in so long and then looking again at Behind the Gare Saint-Lazare photo was so cool as it does have some of the same vibe as Karen Roberts mural subject.

              Well very different in many ways – like Cartier-Bresson’s photo is mono and has the up and way movement – and our mural is in color and has the grounding – but I understand what you meant by the freezing of a split-second. Hmmmmm – so much to ponder here…. and learn about.

              Reply
              1. Timothy Price's avatar Timothy Price

                That’s exactly what art should do: make us ponder, dig deeper, explore, and learn. It’s really nice to have Resa, and you who do ponder, dig deeper, explore, and learn. In the digital world where we are constantly inundated with images, writing, poetry, animation, opinion, etc., I believe people have less time to see and appreciate art that comes across their screens. Ways of seeing and consuming art have changed.

                Reply

                1. Hi Tim, wow, this is so true: “Ways of seeing and consuming art have changed” and let’s keep encouraging each other to slow down.
                  On a side note – aren’t you the blogger who had. one of the longest actively running comment threads on WordPress? It has been many years now, but I recall being part of it – I think?

                  Reply
                  1. Timothy Price's avatar Timothy Price

                    I don’t know about the longest-running thread, but I’ve been blogging for 15 years. I haven’t had a lot of actively running comments lately. I believe everyone is inundated with posts and information these days. It’s difficult to process all of it.

                    Reply

                    1. you are so right – the inundated vibe trickles into many areas – and with that said, I am glad we were able to comment chat this week at Resa’s place

  12. Hi Resa, I cannot imagine how anyone could hold their body in that position. It is so unbalanced. I think that adds to this artwork as the position appears impossible. In its application to life, we must endure through what can feel impossible.

    Reply

    1. Hi Robbie I enjoyed your feedback – and I used to wonder how folks can hold certain arm balances – because I cannot (yet…?)

      – but in some of the advanced hot power yoga classes I take, I will modify while the advanced folks do these amazing one arm balances – and they hold them for a bit!

      They swing their legs around in Flying Pigeon, or do a side plank, on one arm, and bring their other foot around to kick stand! Or, in the “One-Legged Sage Koundinya Pose” (or something like that) – the person does a side-plank-like arm balance (on one hand) and one leg is straight and threads forward, passing outside the supporting arm, while the body is supported on one hand. Sometimes in class, I will be in my modified pose – with a knee down and one arm on the mat and the other raised (very easy and still opens the body planes) but i will simply marvel at what some of the folks can do. It is inspiring and even tho I know I might never reach some of their strength levels and flexibility – i do what I can and marvel at their skill and strength.

      Also, Robbie, you are right about the tension we feel with how the position seems like an IMPOSSIBLE body placement but then the subject sort of depicts an ease of holding the pose (that ankle on the knee) which is then combined with the mystery face expression (is it grit, is it calm, is it contentment, is it angst??)

      xxx

      Reply

        1. Well guess what? I was in a yoag class night and the guy next to me was doing this awesome arm balance pose and he let me take his photo – (yeah _ I asked in the middle of class because -= um, is that what we bloggers do?? – lol) and then after class I showed him Resa’s photo and mentioned our mini convo. Then, the yoga teacher said that it reminded her of possibly a “one-handed Peacock Pose (Mayurasana)” but then she did say she could see it as a pause in a break dancing sequence.
          Thanks for coming back to reply so we could share a bit more! I will send the phot. in a little bit. xxxx

          Reply

            1. Robbie, from what I know about your past athleticism, I bet you also have the CORE strength needed for such balances. You likely also have the brain training that comes into play.
              Because a lot of these balance poses (with one arm, two hands down, or one foot on ground) are successful from being flexible – and then strong (in core, but also need aligned sensory systems and motor control centers in the brain. A ong time agao, one of my many yoga teachers, named Darota, said that one thing folks can do to help that body brain balance is to maybe balance on one leg while washing the dishes. Or go to the toes with one foot and anchor on the other foot (not locking the knee). She. had a lot of great tips!

              and getting back to yoga and poses:
              I advance a bit every class I take, but there are just some things I know I will never ever be able to do.

              Like shoelace pose? My body was not meant for that pose – ever. I also injured my knee (slightly) trying to do lotus.

              And what I love about most yoga teachers and classes is they always remind us to make the practice our own – and good teachers give many options.
              I still try to find the right balance of “not playing it too safe vs trying to advance more” but I am now erring on the side of caution because an injury can take forever to heal
              (be back soon to share the photo)

              Reply

  14. Dancing through life trying to stay afloat. Not sure if that would uplift me year after year coming home from work. Beautiful painting that I wouldn’t want to over paint when feeling differently. Might have to move…

    Reply

    1. Hi Cheyenne, I liked your comment a lot and can relate. I think that for me, I could handle coming home to this every day because of the cool color palette – with its blues, greens, and softness. At first, I thought this lady was in an aquarium and maybe signaling life was a fishbowl. So the water vibe/cool tones (even in the jeans) and the soft pink of the shirt (with a soft material vibe) creates a soothing embrace, while the flowing lines also add interest is not hard on the brain! ha

      Oh and the yellow seems to spilling out – and I could imagine pulling up, waiting for the garage to open, and then noticing a new detail – hmmm

      Reply

        1. ooo – that was nice – “all a moment to savor before transitioning from outside to in” and reminds me of someone who is present and paying attention – (and may we all pause to “really see” the art and not just smell the roses – so thanks again resa for giving us art to see and discuss

          Reply

  15. I thought the same about the left arm— athletic. Straight out of an action movie!💥 Was my first impression. Then I see the other arm holding the hat, and then the gale-force wind… It’s ALiVe!💨🍬🦋

    Reply

    2. Hello – your comment reminded me that I overlooked that other hand – being on the head (or hat) – and it really does add to the finesse I felt with ankle placed on the knee. I also like how you said it could from an action movie –

      and I think that one word you gave sums up how I feel about it right now: athletic

      Reply

    3. Yes, EF, it is alive. She might be painted, but has come alive!

      Thanks for the visit!

      I’ll be by soon. I can’t remember when your film was to be done by!

      Reply

  16. What a fabulous piece of art and I love Yvette’s interpretation of it.

    She may be frazzled by whatever life is throwing her way, but she does have a steadying hand to not let herself get completely carried away!

    xoxoxoxoxo

    Reply

    1. Hi Dale, I love how you said that she might be “frazzled by whatever life is throwing her way, but she does have a steadying hand…” and coming back today I see a fishbowl or water vibe around her…. hmmm

      Reply

    2. JT – I saw the. yellow areas a lot more after Lisa made this post – and I like how you said she could be spinning towards it – and that is powerful –

      and before I read your comment – I viewed the yellow “spilling out” with a reminder of the cheery parts of life that do resurface to help us get back up. Somethin’ like that !

      Reply

    2. Shey, I noticed the water, or fish bowl feel too – and resa, I like how you said staying afloat – it is fun to see so muych more form this mural each time I come back to it. Truly the mark of a beautiful mural

      Reply

    2. Pete, I also like the colors – but in my view, i did not at all feel ike it was a full combo of warm and cool – it is mostly cool and the two bits of warm, the pink and yellow, are muted down and so I think the mural’s palette remains rooted in cool serenity, while the muted pink and yellow act as gentle anchors (bits of warmth) that ground the mural without pulling from the calm (as many warm colors can do) –

      Reply

    2. Thanks Liz, it was dun for me to and I feel blessed that it unfolded from the mini interview – very rewarding – and another fun part is that I keep seeing more in the image each time i come back to it.

      Reply

    1. Thanks Marie!
      I love sharing art, all of it.
      Coming upon a piece of art in the alley is exciting. First it’s far away, then it gets close, or maybe it just pops in front of my face when I turn a corner, and then I back up.

      I try to bring it the way I see it.

      Reply

  26. Pingback: Check out the Interview with Resa – PRIORHOUSE WRITES

  27. Pingback: Resa @ Graffiti Lux & Murals PRIORHOUSE INTERVIEW 26 January2026 – priorhouse blog

  29. Rea – I am still smiling how you took my words from the email (with my full permission) and brought them right over to the post. There is something vulnerable to this – and then also something that brings a full heart.

    Because when I read our exchange, and my dashed sentences – ha – it reminded me of how our rapport was in sync and how the art that you bring into te world does really resonate with folks – and in so many different ways!

    Also, THANKS again for doing the interview at Priorhouse blog. The first interview for 2026 – and how you made time for me. I am still very grateful. xxxx

    Reply

    1. Yvette,

      Vulnerable, I never thought of it that way.
      Still, I like the natural flow of chit chat. It feels kind of real, like we are just sitting around shooting the breeze.

      Art is something we, all of us have. Although there are many masterpieces the uber wealthy hoard, there are as many more in art museums. Yet, there is the price of admission, which not all can afford.

      AND there is street and alley art. That is art for all of us, for free, and why I love it so much.

      It was my pleasure to kick off your interviews for 2026.
      Thank you for all you do!
      xxxxx

      Reply

      1. I like how you noted that the street art is free and their for the enjoying – but it is also sad to see some of them disappear. I REALLY like your RIP page – because it preserves so many of these creations.

        Reply

          1. Yes – and that archive collection are meaningful right now, but Resa, I have a feeling they will be super important later on – and so this is truly a valuable effort.

            Reply

  30. Resa – quick note – I am offline for a while but will be back in a bit to checkin with some more comments. In the meantime – thanks again for this connecting – and hope you have a great Monday

    xxx

    Reply

    1. Hi Deb, I can see the stressed out vibe you mentioned (along with others) and coming back today I kind of see a fishbowl and like Pink Floyd sang in Wish you were here: “…Swimming in a fish bowl Year after year – Running over the same old ground – What have we found? – The same old fears…”

      and that water vibe maybe signals a sense of entrapment or stressed stagnation?

      However, I still also see poised, strong armed, and holding up the core with a sense of finesse and athleticism.

      thanks for joining us with mural chat!

      Reply

    2. I can see that, Debby. The winds of life like to blow us away, but we can hang on (to our heads)and stay a bit grounded. (lol, in some situations, when you can’t have 2 feet on the ground, one hand will have to do)

      💙XOXO🕊💓

      Reply

  33. Resa, this is so cool! I love the colors. There’s something strong and uplifting about it that makes me feel bright and optimistic, despite life’s busyness. This is a great conversation between you and Yvette. I just realized that, for some unknown reason, I’d been unsubscribed from your blog. It’s fixed now, though, so hopefully the issue is resolved! xxx💜🌷

    Reply

    1. I just wanted to say that I really like how you said this about the mural resa featured in this post:  There’s something strong and uplifting about it that makes me feel bright and optimistic, despite life’s busyness.  well said

      Reply

  34. Resa, what a striking image and it must look fabulous with garage doors painted on a housing estate. I enjoyed the discussion between you both, sharing your thoughts. I feel the flow of this image, a dancer, perhaps?!

    Reply

    1. Yes, it is a striking image. Thank you for taking a look, Annika!
      Art discussions are the best.
      Myself, I didn’t see a dancer so much as I see dancing through life,(floating, struggling, hanging on to your hat, and the earth)

      Reply

    2. Hi author Annika, it was a lot of fun to spend time on just one mural – and I enjoyed hearing so many takes on what the mural sepaks to them – thanks for joining us

      xxx

      Reply

        1. Not yet. Hopefully this week.Thank you, Brian!
          Unfortunately, his best pal…musician that he plays with a couple times a week, fell on skates on ice, and is in the hospital in a coma. – brain injury.. Yes, but ????

          Reply

    2. Brian, thanks for the nice comment and next to resa, you are the other blogger that INSTANTLY comes to mind for posting murals – and you both have a lot in common with that (and more)

      xxx

      PS Resa, well wishes to your hubs and to the musician that feel on the ice = ugh =
      💜 o 💜 o 💜

      Reply

  36. Hey Resa, sorry for the late comment… been busy so haven’t been making my rounds. Not that you’d miss me with 200+ comments. Wow, you are one popular lady!

    Love this art… it’s a picture of endurance despite trying to get one’s head above water, kinda like me and many of us, surely. Lovely colors, too!

    XOXOXO

    P.S. Emailing you back shortly!
    ♥︎ · 𑣲 · ᢉ𐭩 ·· ❤︎ · ❦

    Reply

    1. Got your mail! Will get back to you on the weekend. Lol…popular, or just love the chit chat? LOVE the chit chat.
      I dig your take on the painting. It’s what I first thought, too.
      xoxoxo ❦🕊❤︎ ~ 💙 ~ ❤︎🕊❦

      Reply

      1. Hey no rush! Ivan and I are traveling to Arizona to visit a dear friend who moved there a few years ago. It’d be a good change of scenery and some warmth… need a break from MN given all the chaos!

        XOXOXO
        ❀⋆˚✿˖° 𐙚° ⊹ ° ♡° ❀° ❦ 

        Reply

    2. Hi Ruth – I really like how you described this mural:  “picture of endurance despite trying to get one’s head above water” and so many of us are right there – xxxx

      Reply

  37. I had to scroll for 30 minutes to leave a comment. LOL!!!

    I loved the discussion of the art’s impression and design qualities. It looked like “falling” to me, at first, and now, maybe, dancing (with a headache! Hehe). What fun.

    Now I have to head over and read the interview. ❤

    Reply

    1. LOl… well I have to scroll on your blog, too. So, we are even steven, sort of.

      Yay, now that I have you here – I just checked and Lelaine’s wedding out fit appears all red. A flowy red underskirt/dress and flowy red silk jacket. That seems to be the complete description.

      I have drawn 3 gowns, and the 4th will be the one with the jacket.
      I haven’t coloured the other 3, yet. There has been an incident here, that has taken more of my time, physically and emotionally.

      I thought January & Feb. would be cold and snowy, I would stay in and get lots of creative stuff done.

      Cold and snowy…YES!
      The rest, not.

      Somehow, I have managed to chip away at the creatives, but have lagged behind where I wanted to be.

      Cating is in Black top/jacket, with red eye and hair ribbons. Is her lower half black too? Red?

      Back to the art at hand, I feel falling, a struggling… but that could just be my world (& the world) right now.

      Thank goodness for the arts!!! ❦🕊

      Reply

      1. I love hearing that you’re working on the drawings, Resa. What huge fun. I love what you do. And you’re incredible kind as well as generous with your time and talent.

        I’m sorry to hear that there’s been and “incident.” I hope things resolve as best they can. Life doesn’t always happen according to plan, so take all the time and space you need.

        I made an announcement yesterday that I’ll be stepping away from blogging for a while. But I’ve also left it flexible, so whenever you have Catling’s and LeLaine’s post done. I’ll reblog it! That would be a happy day for me.

        In the meantime, take all the time you need and take care of yourself, those you love, and your community. Hugs, my friend.<3

        Reply

    2. Hello D! thanks for joining us here at Resa’s – and also – side note – I did read your post recently and whew – glad you have left the clog community for good. I know you are taking it one day at a time – but glad you are not making any final decisions (yet) because we sure do love our Diana Peach! 🍑🍑🍑yes indeed!

      and Resa, hear hear to this:

      Thank goodness for the arts!!! ❦🕊

      Reply

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