Week 68

Before my father in law Sabka passed, he, Laert and I painted a beautiful triptic together. It is only one that will ever exist from the 3 of us. In our first series, we did one painting with my parents. It was so meaningful and may be the only in existence by the 4 of us. To complete the full circle of this notion, and as part of a birthday surprise, we took my mother in law Nina into the studio to join us on a painting. She got to pick the subject. It was fitting she picked the cardinals, since in Albanian culture, it is a common sentiment that they are the visiting souls of loved ones passed on.

She surprised me with her timid confidence. She said “somethings grow inside you by just being around them. I’ve been around art creation for over 40 years... I’ve picked up a few things!” The quiet recognition of that truth was beautiful as well as the connection to each other, Sabka and a lifetime of art.

Sure, working with 3 on a small canvas was a major challenge for our bodies, but so very liberating for our three hearts.

Winter Love Birds

24x24 | Oil on Hardwood Panel