Originals

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.

The foals new beginning in life, felt so much like my own new beginning. It felt like it took place in our pasture down by these willow trees with this mare and foal. The mother’s posture speaks of protection, affection and adoration of her foal. She reminds me of my own Mother and caring friends who supported me through the years.

My friend and I rode many long miles together in his buggy with this “Fine Filly”. Riding behind her through my darkened times her “Hoof-Beets” were like music to my ears. The dark night is now receding as she gazes out her window toward the breaking dawn… the Golden Dawn” of renewed hope and strength… returned health and vitality… and the important chapters in our lives. This piece feels symbolic to me of my transition from darkness to the light… from sadness to joy… from the past to present.