Artist: Carl Ansloos – Mr Painter Title: ‘Walking with a Poet’ Collection: The Masquerade Collection. This painting was inspired by a poem by the celebrated American poet, Robert Frost (1874 -1963). Frost's acclaimed poem, ‘The Road Not Taken’, was inspired by walks with British poet and friend, Edward Thomas (1878 -1917). The Road Not Taken. Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth; Then took the other, as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim, Because it was grassy and wanted wear; Though as for that the passing there Had worn them really about the same, And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden black. Oh, I kept the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back. I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. This is the second painting in the Masquerade Collection. A body of work that celebrates self-expression and individuality. This hand painted series aims to explore the themes of anonymity and identity. The artist uses hyperbolic characterization to illustrate the adoption of the ‘alter ego’ or avatar. Furthermore, the narrative investigates the connection between anonymity and personal empowerment within the community. Whilst exploring these themes, the artist seeks to promote innovation, diversity, and creativity within this space. Digital jpeg image.