Artistry

Sovereign Love
2025. 24x40 inches, acrylic on canvas with ash, tears, snake skin and owl feathers.

This painting has evolved drastically over decades. In its first layers it was originally someone else's painting altogether... a wedding gift for a dear friend of mine, painted by her sister (note the tan branches in the upper left corner and little star on the left edge). The original design was of two human-shaped figures side by side as the trunk of a tree, raising their arms/branches. The essence of the painting was once to convey divine union and two souls merging as ONE. It is/was truly a beautiful and heartfelt offering and I am in reverence of this foundation. 

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Years later, after her marriage ended, my friend was ready to give this painting away to someone who would appreciate it. At the time, I was wholeheartedly in love and the symbolism met me in that phase of my life. I embraced it and found the image inspiring. Time passed and my expectations were challenged. I sat with this painting as my own relationship ended and I offered to it my tears, grief, nostalgia, and confusion. This was a living, breathing reflection of my process; there were times it sat hiding away in the corner facing the wall and other times I would light a candle and commune with its essence for hours or days before making a minor addition. Layer by layer, the painting shifted and ultimately supported an evolution of my personal narratives. I choose to forgive, always. I own my self-accountability... my attachments... my thoughts... my (re)actions... and the ego "stories" of definition. 

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This final painting is a prayer, and it goes much farther than my own aspirations. To me, it is an expression of a sacred reminder that at the end of all our stories and expectations we are still sovereign souls on our own journeys of exploration and growth. The lesson is that I do believe two beings can indeed stand firmly on their own foundations.... and still share (and expand) the light of life. 

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Blessings to you. Keep your heart open, no matter what. Let the cracks in your heart expand your capacity for love.