This piece has easily become one of my most symbolic and meaningful pieces that I have created. The owl representing the knowledge we gain over time spent here on earth. The baby deer a symbolic nudge toward the innocence of it all. The woman remembering her favorite memory of a time spent at her favorite cabin in the woods during spring, the wild flowers blossoming, the sun shining through the window, the fireplace glowing in the downstairs kitchen and her favorite tree swing just outside her cottage. Reliving the moment as clear as the day she experienced it.
I fell in love with the process as time just melted away and something just clicked. Going into it, I knew I wanted her cottage to be part of her. Like a dollhouse being opened up to a human memory. But honestly, I had no idea how I was going to make it make sense. I tried for hours sketching it out over and over and it just wasn't working.
I got so frustrated I almost threw the entire idea away.
But instead I just started painting. Brushstroke after brushstroke, things just started to work. The overthinking and overanalyzing was gone and my hands just felt like they were fixing the problems my mind couldn't work out. And then hours and days passed and it felt effortless and joyous to create this piece.
Especially during a time where the entire outside world and personal financial problems were weighing down so heavy on my shoulders, I almost thought I'd break under the pressure and thought of it all. This piece was my escape from those racing thoughts. Just me, empty stranded days waiting for parts to fix my traveling rv home, a blank Canvas and some paint. Truly helped my days go by faster.
The idea of this piece came from a thought that had crossed my mind during a meditation. Although I was trying to quiet the mind, I for some reason asked "what happens with all my memories after", and this idea came to me. I've been wanting to paint it for a few weeks now, and I am so happy I was able to see it through and finish it.
I hope you enjoy "The Human Experience"
