Hello friends, here we are in March. This month’s artwork is a little different as it’s a collection of small paintings instead of one larger one. The story behind these is quite special and I hope you enjoy reading about it (hint: it has to do with my 40th birthday)!
A couple years ago, when I was thinking about turning 40, I reflected on how I had been shaped by so many amazing people over the years. At the time, I was also processing my dad’s death and I felt convicted to tell people that I valued them before the opportunity was gone. My list included family members, former teachers and mentors, and friends from various stages and arenas of life. Some of these people I had to track down online and thankfully, I was able to get in touch with them.
My plan was to create 40 mini paintings and send each person one original painting along with a hand-written letter of appreciation. It took me a few months to complete and there were moments when I wondered what kind of monstrosity of a project I had gotten myself into. In the end though, it was worth it.
Side note: If you’ve been following me on Instagram or Facebook, you might find this format of paintings very familiar. That’s because I had so much fun painting these little squares two years ago that I decided to do even more of them for my upcoming art show. (Read all the details below.)
I decided to merge this project with something else I had been wanting to try as an artist: making prints of my work. So on my 40th birthday, I sent an email to my subscribers telling them they could purchase a copy of a poster with all 40 paintings. A good number of people responded and I learned a whole lot about making and shipping prints (which is a whole other story in itself!).
I chose to put a selection of these works in my calendar for the month of March because this month marks the 4th anniversary of my dad’s passing. (You can read the story about his incredible life on my personal blog here.) The 40 Arts of Gratitude Project was in honour of him. When I look at these paintings, I am reminded of his legacy in my life along with all the other people who have impacted me, and it brings me to a place of gratitude.
For those with the Scripture calendar
This month’s artwork is paired with 1 Chronicles 16:34 which says, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” In a month that feels emotionally difficult and heavy for me, I wanted to remember to keep practicing gratitude because thankfulness helps us remember there is still good despite the losses and challenges we face. Sometimes people apply this verse in a way that ignores the difficult stuff in life, like it doesn’t matter, but I hope that we can hold the tension – both/and. That in the midst of pain or fear, we can also find beauty and remember goodness.
Questions for reflection, if you want to go deeper: Name 3 people you are grateful for. Can you reach out to them today to tell them? Where do you find beauty in the ashes of life?
Happening Next Month: Tiny Expanses Art Show!
“How much space can I communicate through a tiny window?”
This is the question I try to answer in my upcoming Tiny Expanses exhibit. Through a series of 100 two-inch square original acrylic paintings based on photos from all over the world, I explore the vastness of the sky and invites viewers to an up close experience of my work.
Painting the variety and beauty of skies that surrounds us has been enthralling. It is this sense of wonder that I want to share with my viewers and collectors through the Tiny Expanses exhibit. My hope is that like sparkling jewels, these “tinies” would bring moments of joy and uplift people’s spirits.
Tiny Expanses is my first solo art show and will be held at Braid Street Gallery (701-2071 Kingsway Ave, Port Coquitlam, BC) on April 15 & 16 from 11am-5pm. Opening reception will be Saturday April 15 from 2-5pm. The work will remain up for viewing by appointment April 17-28. All pieces will be available for purchase during the show here on my website. Subscribers to my newsletter will get a special first-dibs email with early access to the collection.
Let me know if you’re planning to check it out, either in person or online! Thank you to everyone who has been encouraging me as I’ve been preparing for this show. It truly means a lot to me!
If you enjoyed this post and want to read a monthly art story, remember to sign up so future posts get delivered to your email! I usually post them the second Friday of each month. (You might need to check your promotions or junk folders if you don’t see it.)
As always, I love to hear from you! If something in this story resonated with you, if you’re interested in commissioning a painting, or if you have other thoughts, feel free to email, or connect with me on Facebook or Instagram. Thanks for being part of my journey and for letting me be a part of yours!