Hi!
Last time I wrote, I mentioned that after returning from the Art Residency, life got a little shaken up. I try not to share too much about my personal life that is unrelated to art. After all, that's not why you're here.
But the more I thought about this, the more I realized there are strong parallels between the falling feathers I'm painting and what's going on with my family. So I'd like to share just a glimpse if I may.
It may help you feel the passion that goes into an artist's work.
And it helps me to tell it.
I started the "Falling Feather" series long before I attended the art residency. In fact, there are hints of it among sketched painting ideas from two years back.
So when I began to develop the series in earnest recently, I never guessed that within a week of my return from Maine, my much-loved sister, Phyllis, would take a spill that would nearly destroy her spine.
Fast-forward past the horrific emergency room day-long ordeal which sent her home with no treatment on the strength of poorly executed x-rays...
....past the search for someone who would do the x-rays right and get to the bottom of the unrelenting sharp excruciating pain, catch the fused and fractured vertebrae, not to mention the advanced degenerative disc disease and severe scoliosis that had been brewing over decades.
All of this would be dire indeed if not for the people who surrounded her with their love and care.
The busy chiropractor who took on a new patient without hesitation, quickly diagnosed the issues and with honesty and great compassion began treatment to bring some relief immediately. IMMEDIATELY!
I was so impressed, I started seeing her myself.
And then there was my sister's level-headed daughter who knew how to focus and get things accomplished so she could be there 24/7 to take care of her mom.
There was our church leadership team who quickly wrote a check from the benevolence fund to help compensate for the lost income so she could recover without having to worry about bills.
I could go on as family and loving friends have surrounded her, brought meals, and offered their time and resources to make sure she's ok in every way possible.
I am overwhelmed, humbled, and thankful to Almighty God for sparking the selfless sacrifice these people have poured out on my dear one.
I liken this painting of a feather falling, detached from its host,...with its shredded barbs and curved vane, to my dear friend and sister.
Though hurt severely, she is not finished...because people who love God and love her knew just what to do and did it...
Without even batting an eye!
I will let you ruminate further on the theme of vulnerability and strength between people and feathers on your own.
Thank you for letting me share something much deeper than I usually do. It should be lighter next time.
May you find that you too have more friends than you realize.
Jan
P.S. Phyllis is healing nicely, walking a little more each day.
