November’s piece, “May You Find a Light,” was created in the midst of the first lockdown of the pandemic, when fear ran high and news of people getting sick and dying at alarming rates rattled our world. I found myself longing to pray with my paintbrush; to express my desire for light in the amid the darkness.
In my research for images for October’s piece, “Carried,” I came across the photo reference for this painting. I was taken by the beams of light and wanted to try painting them. It was pretty early on in my art venture so it felt like a good challenge to attempt.
When I was putting my 2021 Calendar together last year, I knew I wanted this piece for November. To me, November is a pretty dark month and in the Lower Mainland area of British Columbia where I live, it’s usually a very rainy month. With the sun setting mid-afternoon, as well as Remembrance Day happening, and the year drawing to a close, I find my mood is overall more somber. I’m guessing I’m not the only person to long for light in November, so I wanted to include this image for this month as my hope and blessing for each of us.
The title for this piece, “May You Find a Light,” is based on a song by The Brilliance that goes by the same name. If you have a moment, take a listen to the song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFbiJ6VKn5I.
This painting found a home with a collector who has close ties with the healthcare industry and who immediately thought of all the healthcare workers fighting COVID-19 when they saw my piece. As the pandemic has dragged on, I continue to remember those on the front lines. If you look closely at my painting, there is a heart in the light. Love shines, always. And my hope and prayer is that those who are weary would find themselves touched by that light.
I paired the painting this month with the verse from John 1:5 that says, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” It expresses exactly what I hope the image represents.
Questions for reflection, if you want to go deeper: How do you feel when you look at this piece? Where is the darkness in your life right now? Where do you see the light in your life? Where do you notice Love shining on you?
2022 Calendars Now Available!
In case you missed it: My 2022 Art (+Scripture) Calendars are now available!! A big thank you to everyone who has already ordered them for themselves and especially for those who are sharing them with others. I am humbled that you would choose my art.
If you want to read more about the calendars or get one for yourself or a few (or all!) of your friends or family members, click on this link: 2022 Art Calendar page.
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!