July is a special month in our family, with multiple birthdays, including our younger daughter’s and my oldest niece’s who were born 6 days apart. The painting for this month is a piece that I did for my niece as a birthday gift last year. It is also the piece that received the most positive comments from the people who got my calendar, much to my surprise.
To tell you about this painting is to tell you about my niece. Since I created this for her, I used her favourite colour purple as the dominant colour. Her personality is strong, energetic, and insatiably curious. When I looked for a reference photo to work off of, I found this one by Cosmic Timetraveler on Unsplash, and I knew I needed to paint it for her.
I titled it, “Always Keep the Wonder,” because that is my wish for her, and for all of us, really. I wanted to give a positive spin to the phrase “never lose the wonder.” To be told not to do something, especially for a child, is difficult. It feels more possible when the directive is positive and something you can do.
It is my hope that my niece really does keep her sense of wonder for the rest of her life. The longer I’m alive, the more convinced I am that curiosity is what keeps us growing. Curiosity is also what will help us bridge the chasms between each other and within ourselves. If I can be curious about another person or a difficult emotion, I have the opportunity to learn and to grow, to enter into connection rather than isolation. To maintain a sense of wonder about the world means that we are open to surprises; open to new ideas and people; open to God.
I painted this piece on a canvas that my daughters had previously painted on when they were younger. I enjoy that the texture of what was painted on before still shows through. In a way, it is a redemptive metaphor – that the past isn’t erased, but becomes part of something new, giving it richer dimension and interest.
I paired this painting with Psalm 46:1, which says, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” The size of the cloud speaks to me of God’s strength and power. It brings me comfort to know that this strong and loving Being is with me in life, regardless of what I face.
Questions for reflection, if you want to go deeper: What emotions do you feel when you look at this painting? What does the cloud represent to you? In what areas of your life do you sense the invitation to find refuge in God?
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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!