island sunrise

Inspired by the sunrise on January 7, 2023 during our flight from "the friendly island" of Saint-Martin/Sint Maarten [SXM] back to North Carolina, I decided to paint this moment on 2 large canvases. Starting with my #2hearts design which I created [summer 2022] from the union of side-by-side hearts, painted for my family: (1) "in memory,  I love him still"; (2) "unconditional love" ...overlapping and intertwined, two became (3) "sweet on you" in the middle. Viewed together, the three paintings represent bonds between people I love. And although as individuals [grandparent, parent, child] we go about our lives separately, when gathered and considered as a whole, it's simply better. 

east wall

#2hearts design [RED no. 2, ongoing]

west wall

While working on "island sunrise" I focused on imageries of life beyond a place inhabited by people swallowed up in the messy ups and downs of society. It is a reference to the vastness and beauty that I see in nature and I am grounded in deep appreciation for this chance of being a painter. As the years have shown, I know that creating [writing, doodling, sketching, painting] carries my love for nature, art and enjoying this life. Once again, my heart is full.

"island sunrise" is the focal point in naturally...  art exhibition, April 16 through August 15, 2024. 

With love and gratitude,
Grace ​