Oil on canvas, stretched and ready to hang.
Signed on the front.
There are three archetypal energies I am aware of and try to incorporate into my work (actually, my life!) , and they are tenderness, playfulness and fierceness. When I began this painting, I did so thinking about kindness, and what emerged was symbolic of the many different types of that energy, some of which were consciously known and some not (the umbrellas for example were puzzling to me at first and then I realised they represent shelter).
The palette is bold (as always) and significant. Pink represents the heart, although green is the colour of the heart chakra (energy centre). Turquoise is the colour of the throat chakra, centre of expression. Deep blues are the third eye . There are numerous symbols connected to kindness, from the obvious figure with her arms wide open, the teapot full of tea. The teardrops, red rose, musical notes and angelic beings. There is a doorway towards something bright and light. There is the figure, honouring the moon .. and so much more.
Composing a painting like this takes a lot of contemplation. I am constantly seeking balance in every way, from the colours, to the placement of symbols, so that your eye keeps discovering new things. I always say that my art is for the curious and for those who enjoy the deeper meanings in life.
My paintings can sit anywhere. Children seem particularly drawn to them and often linger longer whenever I show them in public. I remember one little boy refusing to move on, pulling at his mother's hand to stay longer. I asked him what he liked and he pointed out the animals especially. Then he said "everything"! Unfortunately Mum was looking at a boring vanilla abstract instead (LOL). Oh well!
I love working like this. It takes a lot out of me because i have to dig deep into my psyche and spend a lot of time contemplating the next move. It's an intense process which is why I space them out and do some seascapes and still life paintings in between. When they work, they are immensely satisfying.
I guess this painting is for anyone who wants a reminder that kindness is what really matters in this world.
It doesn’t require framing but the styled shot shows what it might look like in a simple box frame.