Gratitude

Heart #2

The story of this painting involves many people. 

First, my cousin Kelly and her family who moved to Collegeville several years ago, invited my family to dinner. We arrived early so that we could take a hike in the woods by her house before the early November sunset.  On the way back to the house I fell behind the group.

I was casually looking for hearts and remembering my heart-finding friend Lisa Kelley's philosophy; she never finds them if she goes looking for them. I guess they find her. Just then I noticed the curve in an oak leaf.

I am a huge fan of the artist Andy Goldsworthy. He manipulates sticks, leaves, rocks, icicles...etc and makes lovely impermanent arrangements that he photographs before nature starts working on them again. With Goldsworthy in mind, I gave myself permission to fold the end of an oak leaf and layer another on top to make a heart. Then I took a picture.

The final trio in this painting's supporting cast is my two children and my mother. My mother took the kids on a meandering path to her house, giving me two hours with my paints.

On this Thanksgiving day, I am deeply grateful for all of the good people in my life. You are all a part of who I am and what I do. Now...I better get going and make the stuffing! 

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