​The Setauket Artists was conceived and founded thirty-nine years ago by artist Flo Kemp. It is a group of professional artists who are invited into the group to exhibit each autumn at the Setauket Neighborhood House.

Drawing artists from all over Long Island, the Setauket Artists delight in painting local scenes that evoke the beauty of the island. 

I am fortunate enough to have my paintings reviewed by this honorable group today. I have seen how this group of artists, who have come together under the motto of Art for a Lifetime, have enriched the community with their beautiful paintings and activities. As an artist, I am very happy to have had the opportunity to see them up close. This is an opportunity that has paid off more than any prize money.

​So I've selected 10 recent paintings for you to review.

​I have no doubt that I will continue to grow within this group of passionate artists. And for artists, it is very important to have a group that shares their vision and grows together.

​When you first try to write a picture book, you will draw many scenes. You will create a story and each image will come to mind like a pop-up window. However, when you read the text later, the mistake you always make is that each scene is not connected. Scenes that are not connected like this decrease the probability of the text and make it difficult to read.

Why each scene is separated like this is because you did not present the reason for the story. We always talk about what and how, but the most important thing is to talk about the reason.

The what lets us know what kind of components we can use. The how makes us follow the line of the story. And the reason makes your heart empathize with the story and form an emotional bond. Therefore, you can read it with enjoyment by becoming one with the story.

And after naturally connecting the scenes of the story like this, you need to check your tone again to see what the storyline is pursuing. If you cannot explain your book in a few sentences, it means that you have failed in story composition.

The common goal in the books I write is to create meaningful relationships where you can grow and develop together. John Maxwell said, "Growing together is the most beautiful gift of human relationships."

A truly meaningful relationship allows us to grow and develop together. Acknowledging each other's strengths, accepting each other's weaknesses, and working together to become better people is the best gift we can give each other. However, it is difficult to pursue this ideal in the real world.

​The best way to learn the beautiful virtues required for creating a beautiful community, both educationally and personally, is to write picture books. As I write picture books with children, I am confirming the educational effect that storytelling has on us.

​In this sense, I sincerely congratulate these talented children on their self-published first books.
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Two picture books written by children themselves from their own perspectives are awaiting publication. The sixth in the Children's Storyscape series is Sophia's Countries in the Playground.

The book features 59 student-designed national flags, each in a circular shape.

​This story contains the beautiful heart of a 10-year-old girl who wants to resolve conflicts like war and bring peace. You will find yourself smiling when you turn the last page.

The sixth picture book shows the types of conflicts in human relationships that are commonly seen in school life. It shows the process of resolving minor misunderstandings that arise from overlapping promises. We may have had experiences where we have disappointed others without realizing it.

When these conflicts begin, children often solve them more wisely and wittily than adults. As you read this book, you will laugh at the wit of children.

​Sometimes we experience despair and depression to the point where we can no longer feel the light and hope. Even the most famous actors and influencers who seem to shine the brightest in the world have tears flowing behind their curtains. It’s just that no one can see those tears, but these times are given to everyone equally. That’s why we can sympathize when someone is sad or in pain.

In Eastern philosophy, it is said that human life changes in a 10-year cycle. This is called great fortune. When you are lucky, your appearance changes beautifully, and no matter what you do, everyone praises, envies, and loves you. However, when you are unlucky, no matter how hard you try, you are criticized, ignored, and sometimes humiliated. You become completely lonely. If you are lucky, you will succeed in everything. Of course, this does not mean that you ignore hard work and effort . This is just Eastern philosophy.

In Eastern philosophy, this phenomenon is called the ‘Four Pillars of Destiny.’ I do not believe in fortune telling, but I know well that there is a cyclical up and down flow in life. And I also know that once you experience a downfall, the whole world becomes dark as if that is all there is. At that moment, no comfort or affirmation works. It is painful as if your heart is being torn apart and you cannot see ahead.

At times like this, art was my best friend. I held the brush as if I was holding on to a branch of a cliff. And I climbed up to the ground with all my strength.

When you fall into despair and come up to the ground, you may be tormented for a while by the fear and loneliness you felt at the bottom of the cliff. You may feel empty or depressed again. However, as time passes, you will look objectively at the cliff you climbed up with all your might. Sometimes you may be grateful that you are on the ground and receiving sunlight and listening birds chirping. And after recovering your energy, you may build a fence to prevent anyone else from falling into the same cliff of despair as you.

​So never give up or be discouraged. Even when you feel at the bottom, you will not always be in despair. You will come up above the ground and know what freedom, happiness, and hope are. Think about the only thing you can hold on to when you are hanging on the edge of a cliff. Other than religion and family. For me, it was art. And I believe that one day, you will come out of the darkness and smile at the cliff you have been struggling on.