The design features a simple yet evocative black line drawing of a wine bottle against a clean white background. The bottle's label contains a small red heart, adding a subtle pop of color and emotion to the piece. The stark contrast and clean lines give the artwork a contemporary feel while maintaining a sense of intimacy.
The title "LIFE TASTED BETTER" is boldly displayed at the top, with the poignant addition "WHEN YOU WERE AROUND" beneath the illustration. This interplay of text and image immediately sets a nostalgic and reflective tone.
Below, an original untitled poem delves deeper into the emotions suggested by the image and title:
It’s okay--once upon a time I was somebody’s you; unable to let their love pull me through; so I could attempt to fix what I had broken; and make it right with the person I used.
After you and I met, it always pained me to see; how much of your worth remained tied up in desirability; to court this aging beauty further emboldened me; blind to the villain who would one day rule over me.
It’s why the brain let feelings of betrayal run amok; it knows the pain in never holding a hand you love; but it’s the cruelty in only ever knowing it’s touch; when the same hand delivers heartache’s fatal punch.
I said it was okay, but it’s not really. I’ll always wonder if as a human being, you could ever actually see or hear me; or if you just felt wanted when you were near me.
The verses speak to past love, regret, and the lingering impact of a significant relationship. The poem's raw honesty and vulnerability add depth to the visual elements, creating a multi-layered piece that invites contemplation.
The piece serves as both a decorative element and a conversation starter, inviting viewers to reflect on their own experiences with love and loss. Its clean design and thoughtful content make it suitable for various spaces, from a personal bedroom to a chic wine bar or upscale restaurant.
All prints are upon ordering from a local film lab here in Los Angeles.
This means it can take up to 14 business days for your print to arrive, depending on demand.
However, it usually only takes about 5-7 days.
Shipping rates are calculated at checkout and based on USPS priority mail flat rates.
Original pieces are final sale items and ineligible for return.
Prints are eligible for return within 30 days with reasonable cause.
This excludes various free print offers which state that if you are unsatisfied with a product given away as part of a promotion (e.g. you receive a free print so long as you pay for shipping) you can keep it and be refunded for shipping costs. Please check the guarantee statement on special offer and checkout pages.
This artwork, part of the Hollywood Broken Hearts Club - 2024 collection, offers a perfect blend of visual appeal and emotional resonance. It would make a striking addition to any modern interior, particularly appealing to those who appreciate the intersection of visual art and poetry.
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING
These are stunning. Always impressed by your artistic endeavors, and your commitment to quality and how it almost becomes a characteristic of the art. Bravo, Michael.
Seanette AKA @the.little.b.haus
Fellow Poet
Incredible. I love how you incorporated your poetic talent into a larger format. It's really great. I love each piece you sent me, and I even bought a few more for my sister.
Jamie Caroccio
Copywriter, Writing Teacher, and Fellow Poet
These are F***ING gorgeous. I wasn't expecting this at all. I am blown away.
Casey M.
Fellow Poet and Author of 4 Poetry Collections
Michael, these are so beautiful, thank you. I mean, I "knew" you cared about quality but these prints are beautiful.
Alicia I.
Writer in Long Beach
Excellent stuff, sir. You are great at combining visuals with words, just as you are at designing them both separately. And the print quality is superb.
Sonny C.
Los Angeles
Omg, I love these floral prints so much. Thank you for the extra set. They're all so beautiful and your poetry is amazing. I'm so glad I own one of your very first art prints to ever go on sale!
Windy Z.
Los Angeles
Never surprised by the the thought you put into every detail down to the material these are printed on, but I am always surprised by the artistic ingenuity in your work. These will live with me and the fam wherever we go.
Max O.
Los Angeles
I wish my girlfriend looked at me the way she looks at the prints I bought her. Not sure how to feel, but thank you for the surprise bonuses, and regardless of my envy, your commitment to quality deserves credit.
Ben S.
Hollywood (My Neighbor in Case You're Wondering)
Michael de la Guerra is an artist and a retired freelance writer who--under the name Michael Lopez--has been featured as a case study in the Harvard Business Review, published in The Huffington Post, banned from writing for Buzzfeed (long story), and featured as an expert in Fast Company, The Wall Street Journal, and more. He’s ghostwritten for NFL players and bank CEOs alike but remains at the mercy of NDAs signed during a decade-long copywriting career working with sought-after digital marketing agencies on high-converting campaigns for some of the largest names in business. He works in academia now and spends his creative energy on visual art and poetry.
Your cart
We value your privacy
We use cookies to customize your browsing experience, serve personalized ads or content, and analyze traffic to our site.
