Art Is The Gift of Happiness

As a little boy growing up, my parents strongly believed that some elements should automatically be part of my education: animals, arts, music, and sports.

Combined with an African background, it gives me a lot of stories to tell you guys.

Today I'd like to talk about tennis.

As you might know, Roger Federer is to tennis what Lebron James is to basketball. But, back in the 90s, we had other kings: Michael Jordan and Pete Sampras. Boy. they. were. good! Remember?

Nonetheless, Federer has won 18 Grand Slam Titles, three more than Sampras. The reason why he felt the obligation to not participate in Rolland Garro's French masters this year? Wisdom. He's 36 [As of today, he is 41], can easily get tired, and has to balance his career with family, plus a philanthropy activity.

One more thing about him: he was very impulsive and impatient as a teenager. Secluded in his room and would only go downstairs to eat cereal. Because he was broke, he had to learn to control his temper or throw the racket in a certain fashion to not break it.

The picture painted here is far from the one you have of the player looking so composed and cool on the tennis court. People change.

I'm a leftie, and I'm good at racket sports. Never been much of a ballplayer -although we had a basketball playground at home. One of the advantages of growing up in Africa: you have an infinite space for activities. A paradise for kids.

Anyway, I had a tennis teacher forcing me to hit the backhand shot with both hands. I hated it, I wanted to do it my way: One-handed.

In some cultures, there's some bias against left-handed people, they are seen as evil, and children are forced to be righties. My grandma used to slap my hand when I handed her something in her village kitchen, she gave up.

Kids are stubborn. Add this asset on top of their unconditional love and obsession with things. I was eating, sleeping dreaming Sampras. I was him! And when he disappointed me with his backhand, Jordan would be a consolation with a slam dunk.

A few months ago, a patron came up with an interesting project: paint Federer for her son. A huge fan. She said that Roger was giving an autograph session and missed the boy because of the crowd. He was upset.

I accepted the challenge because I knew the story, it was about my special connection with sport. I know the love and passion you get when you are looking up to an idol. Something we are lacking as adults, but so important and vital for teenagers.

Part of my design was a piece full of hope, energy, and positivity. It was difficult to paint the exact face of the player but I knew I could capture a "feeling" of being him. That's the beauty of painting and the reason why I don't like too much realism in my work. I'm a dreamer.

In conclusion, when I look at the world and all those fake problems we have - racism is one of them- I think that we are getting crazier, more stressed,?and erratic because we don't know how to FEEL each other anymore.

It's the sense of touch, nobody touches us in ways that are uplifting, inspiring, and empowering. I'm always asking myself: why do you paint? That question haunts me every single day.

The reason why I make art is to break this metal and glass behind which people are so used to hiding. The fear, the constant care, the paranoia towards strangers. I want to see artwork in the police stations, in factories, it's got to be everywhere.

Let me ask you: How a young African boy can get lost, travel years, find his way as an artist, and makes a teenager -who wasn't even born yet- somewhere in the world feels something?

We haven't seen each other in person but we both share a strong bond now.

This is my friends, the gift of happiness.

Ps: If that boy becomes a worldwide tennis champion, you'll remember that day. As a matter of fact, he might not become an athlete; whichever path he chooses, he'll be successful.

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Lionel Thomas is an artist painter of music, musician, and storyteller. France-born and international artist, he brings a colorful perspective and injects new life into the art world with his myriad of vibrant works.?

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