Hello friends! Somehow we have made it to the final quarter of the year. This month’s painting has a story that includes some serendipity and surprising connections and I’m looking forward to sharing it with you.
In the Spring of 2021, I was alerted to a post in a local Facebook group. The person who posted was looking for a local artist who could create a gift for her friend who was moving away. A couple of my friends saw that query and suggested my name, knowing that I paint landscapes and thinking that I might be able to help this lady out.
I reached out to the person who posted and as we corresponded, we realized that the friend she wanted to gift this painting to was a friend of mine as well! It ended up being such a meaningful project to create something for our mutual friend that would remind her of “home” even as she started a new chapter of her life in another country.
This painting is based on a photograph taken by a local photographer, Edward Yee, of Lafarge Lake, a well-loved landmark in Coquitlam, BC. I titled this piece, “Love is Where You Are” to remind my friend that no matter where she goes, Love is with her. The colours of this piece are reminiscent of fall’s changing leaves, which is why I chose it for the October page of my calendar.
In the Art + Scripture calendar, I paired this painting with the verse from Psalm 150:6, which says, “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” In Canada, October is when we celebrate Thanksgiving so this verse felt appropriate for this month. I also wanted to be reminded that I have breath and to remember where my breath comes from.
Questions for reflection, if you want to go deeper: Take a minute to notice your breathing; how do you feel when you inhale and exhale? Where do you see God’s love where you are? What are 3 things you are thankful for this month?
2023 Calendars Are Coming!!
It’s almost that time of year again! Back by popular demand, my calendars will be available on my website starting November 1, 2022. Similar to last year, the 2023 Calendars will feature work that I have created in the past year and you can choose between two versions: Art only or Art + Scripture. I’m keeping my prices the same as last year because I know everything else has been increasing and this is one little way I can pass on some love. Calendars will be $30 CAD each with discounts on multiple copies. Shipping within Canada is on me, as before. My email subscribers will get a reminder email when the calendars are available, along with an offer for subscribers only, so keep your eyes peeled!
If you enjoyed this post and want to read about the stories behind all the paintings in this year’s calendar, remember to sign up so future posts get delivered to your email! I am aiming to 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!