Originals

I have a deep connection with this rural, old, chapel that is no longer used. But a real feeling of sacredness remains in this special place.

Peace in Solitude features a local “Father Figure” of mine. His experience as a wrangler, guide and pastor, made him a natural model for me to express the pure peace, and the quiet solitude that I experience in the valley! The back drop in this work is the view that I see every day from my bunkhouse window. Countless times I’ve stood at this very spot with my horse at the end of a long day and watched the sun sink in the west. Indeed, Peace in Solitude at its best.

 In dedication to a dear friend, and his wife ... Who’s example has greatly impacted my life and inspired me ever since I’ve known him. Who’s love, support and advice has been invaluable in my personal and professional journey.

The darkness in the clouds reflect the storms of life I’d just lived through. The rays of light coming through the clouds represent hope. The horse and dog are “Best Friends” and show the relationship that animals share on the farm, and metaphorically the friendship I felt from my caring friends during my illness. The rocky foreground signifies the rocky trail I traveled. To the right we get a glimpse of wide open–spaces that spoke to me that the future was endless, full of opportunity and hope. I felt like the horse and dog, they just emerged from the shadows of the barn and wait for the master, looking toward the future, basking in the light of hope.

The minimal amount of light in this piece I felt so keenly with my own life at that time. For days I would go into the studio in attempt to work on its progress but lacked the strength, only to collapse in defeat.  The cowboy’s posture is stooped and spoke to me of my own debilitation. The dim light beam faintly shining down on the cowboy and his horse, matched my own dim ray of hope in life. The expression of the horse is the soul of this work. Among all the darkness and exhaustion the horse’s body is erect and full of life. He seemed to be bubbling with energy. His body wraps around the weary cowboy almost as if embracing him. The eye of the horse the most important of all, exemplifies the incredible amount of strength I pulled from to get through those tough times.