Life Happens
Welcome to the online version of Luke’s exhibition 'Life Happens'.
While life can spring a few big surprises along the way, if you pause to look at it there are plenty of ups and downs happening most of the time. Through these we can find connection, love and humour. This collection reminds us of the small, honest, real events that inevitably feature in our lives. Beautiful ones, unfortunate ones, even messy ones. It looks at our reactions and highlights our emotions.
We hope you enjoy the online exhibition!
Love Thi
That early love you dive into head first at a young age. It feels huge at the time, all-consuming, and all that matters in life! Looking back you realise it was clumsy, overly intense, and for many of us, short-lived. But it was great at the time!
Wet Paint
I smudged it on purpose! I was thinking how things get spoilt; that's life. That said, I've touched things I've known I probably shouldn't have; some strange inquisitive force at play. And I think we've all missed advisory or warning signs, or even worse - ignored them. Hopefully the consequences weren't too bad!
Don't Cry Over Spilt Milk
When things go wrong and there's nothing I can do, it's a case of chin up and carry on! No matter what life serves up, there's nothing gained at all from crying over spilled milk!
Brain Fog
Sometimes when there's an overload of things to think about at one time I can lose clarity and be in a hazy state of disconnect. If we can't function through a period of brain fog, taking a break can be the answer. I step away from the noise and let my mind wander. It might seem unproductive but it isn't in the long run. Learn to chill. I believe it's good for you, and others, and productivity!
Working From Home
I have witnessed my partner on Zoom calls dressed smartly from the waist up but with comfies on her bottom half and our loyal dog at her feet! 'Work to live, don't live to work' we often hear. I'm reminded that life these days can see less separation of the two!
Odd Socks
My life can be quite chaotic at times. Sometimes in the morning rush I don't have time to find that hidden matching sock that we've all witnessed and I'll leave the house wearing odd ones! A few imperfections through life is no big deal!
Sticky Moments
When my partner has an ice cream in hot weather I await the inevitable; the trickling over her hands and the sticky mess. I guess it beats the floods of tears when my daughter drops hers on the floor! Expect plenty of sticky moments throughout life!
Caught Out By The Tide
Despite being aware, there are times when I am caught out just the same. I remember being busy on the beach and forgetting to move stuff back from the creeping incoming tide, much to the amusement of onlookers! Just like the tides, some things in life are out of our control. Best keep switched on!
Mother
I watch my busy partner holding everything together daily as life as a mother pulls her in different directions, often quite literally with the baby tugging her hair, a heavy bag weighing her down, the dog pulling her sideways. Our eldest would be off somewhere in front needing a recall. As chaotic as situations can be, she always impresses me, remaining calm, even graceful, in her handling of it all. This piece is for her!
Juggling
Every day I juggle to keep everything in motion. Family, friends, health, and work are the priorities we should keep balanced. Something may drop now and again but pick up, and keep juggling!
Love You, Bye
Those three little words, 'love you bye' are something I hear most days. Said in a hurry when leaving in a rush, or in the last moment of a telephone conversation, they seem casual in their simplicity, but they're said because they are meant.
Ow Lucky O' We?
I often say 'Ow lucky o' we?' It's not about something specific worthy of a big celebration. It’s the simple realisation of the gift of life! There's so much to be thankful for every day - we are blessed!
Memory Bench
Life goes on but in quiet moments I can sit and remember those dear to me who have departed. I love to take time to find a calm place and properly reflect on their lives and our times together. They can live on in our memory.
Kettle's On
The kettle goes on my house the minute somebody pops in to see us! The friendly neighbour or a family gathering; I love catching up with the life of others, seeing where we need to look out for each other, and hearing about funny stuff that's happened. Always over a brew!
Ne'er Mind SWFC
A familiar feeling that us football fans in Sheffield know only too well! Some will see the humour in the fact that the bonding sees loyalty at a mad level! It plays a big part in many people's lives with their love for their club and the game, and with the social interactions that it brings. Up the ....!
Ne'er Mind SUFC
A familiar feeling that us football fans in Sheffield know only too well! Some will see the humour in the fact that the bonding sees loyalty at a mad level! It plays a big part in many people's lives with their love for their club and the game, and with the social interactions that it brings. Up the ....!
A Little Piece Of Us
As my partner and I bring up our children there's a little bit of us passed on each day. We share our own knowledge, opinions and experiences. By far the most important exchange is love as we shape the next generation!
Chuffinell, It's Raining
We’ve all been there - the sun is shining and the washing is out when suddenly the heavens open! It’s a moment of surprise and frustration. Life can throw a curveball no matter how careful we are. It's just what happens. Try and see the funny side!
Time Well Spent
I think of these moments a lot. Nothing big going off, just quality time spent together with my daughter when things slowed down. I didn't think much of it while it was happening, but looking back, what perfect times they were!
Side By Side
I've always had dogs. Their unwavering loyalty and companionship, and their unconditional love is amazing! They are always there with their playful nature whatever else life is throwing at you. They have brought me so much joy over the years - cherished members of the family!
Worry, Not
That's easier said than done sometimes! I guess it's a common natural emotion that we can't fully control. But it can only be a good thing if we can try to worry a little less over some things in life.
Tha Couldn't Mek It Up
Some things in my life have come as a real surprise, almost unbelievable. I hear the words 'Tha Couldnt Mek it Up' quite often here in Yorkshire. With some things we can be either in luck, or out of it! It's how you deal with these things that is interesting, and sometimes important. Do you consider yourself generally a lucky person, or an unlucky one!?
This Is The Beginning Of The Rest Of Your Life
This is a quote from a Gerry Cinnamon tune that I love to listen to. This part of the lyrics motivates me every time!
Life Happens
It’s a reminder that life doesn’t always go to plan. Sometimes it rolls out quietly, sometimes it knocks you sideways. But through it all, there’s humour, connection, and heart. Because life happens and when you stop to really look at it, that’s more than enough.