With the end of the Year of the Earth Pig, and with it, the full 12-year cycle of the Chinese Zodiac, things feel like they are coming to a natural close. A new cycle is about to begin. From January 25, 2020 to February 11, 2021, we will find ourselves in the Year of the Metal (White) Rat.
Rats are quick-witted, resourceful and versatile, with strong intuitive powers and lightning-quick reflexes. With so many skills, they can easily adapt themselves to new environments., and find success in the unlikeliest of places. Being intuitive and kind, as well as sharply observant, rats can always come up with a plan on the fly. They also have the unwavering courage to follow it, like lab rats in a maze, sniffing and intuiting their way to the end, even if they can’t see around the next corner. And what lies at the end? Reward.
This is a good thing, because 2020 calls for a variety of shocks, chaos, and sudden changes; new responsibilities; and wide uncertainty in the realms of health and economy that will force most zodiac signs to rely on their wits and existing resources - the rat’s seed storage - to get them through the proverbial winter. Although the year’s forecast may sound fearsome, there is good news: the Rat’s energy is perfect for tackling whatever comes, and success is possible, if you can be flexible in how you define it. Rat is relentless and resourceful, and will never become discouraged by failure. Don’t let your mind be clouded by fear; trust the intuition and the Buddha heart of the Rat.
My first paintings to kick off Year of the Rat are the trio above; Rat with Grapes (“Buddha Heart”); Rat with Mushrooms (“Abundance”); and Rat with Onion (“Contentment”), which are the essence of what this year is to be about.