This piece is dedicated to my granddaughter Pao who as some of you know, left us two years ago at age five. She was born brain damaged and was deprived of verbal communication and voluntary movement but she had the capability of offering a smile with a radiance I have never seen in anyone else.
This smile, like her giggles would make me feel and understand how such a simple action could give you moments of complete happiness. No other smile has ever been the same.
The flower symbolizes her as I think she left us that day, radiant and turning to a light that only she was capable of seeing. The lace is characteristic of her fragility, beauty and her Latin heritage. The cloth is the baby sheet she spent many hours on in my house when she was brought to visit me frequently. I can feel her sweet angelic smile as I have worked on this and now that I am posting it.
I have chosen a Spanish title that translated means, Ascending Spirit. Spanish because, as the lace, reflects her Latin heritage and I think it is the title that best describes this piece. The flower, her symbol, has a slight turn upward as if it were lifting itself from the sheet to the light that guides the Spirit.
I thank Michael Newberry from the bottom of my heart for this unforgettable experience that at times was difficult, as he said it would be, but most of the time I had the pleasure of feeling her presence.
Charcoal on Rives 26X16
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18 comments:
Dear Mary ... I remember you writing about little Pao one year ago, and yes her laughing little face stays in my minds eye.
I love the way that you have related the different parts of this painting to aspects of her presence and personality.
The piece is very beautiful and a wonderful accomplishment artistically. Charcoal can be a very difficult medium particularly for finely detailed work such as this. Your subtleties of expression here are lovely.
I am very pleased that you are back with us ... I have missed your gentle voice.
Mary,
Fantastico, no tengo palabras para decir lo hermoso que me pareció todo, la descripción que haces de tu trabajo. Un trabajo de lo mas hermoso y delicado, no solo de como era Pao, sino que refleja tu personalidad. Te escribo en español porque me puedo expresar con mas exactitud, todo lo que me hiciste sentir y pensar. Te felicito, que bueno que tengas al maestro que solo esta moldeando lo que ya esta ahí.
Lesley, thank you for such a lovely comment. It makes me very happy to know that this has touched people with your sensitivity and kindness. I feel very fortunate!
Leonor, your words in Spanish have touched me deeply and as a friend since my childhood, your comment is very important to me. Yes, Michael Newberry's goal aa a mentor is to bring out what is inside of each of his apprentices.
Mary,
You have created a wonderful and moving memory work of art for your Pao.
Have you decided where you will hang this piece of work?
Thank you Paula! I think I will hang it in my bedroom.
Mary, this piece is beautiful and reading your words gave me goosebumps. I am sure your granddaughter is smiling her beautiful smile as she looks at this from heaven. And I am sure she is braggin about her loving grandmother who is a wonderful artist. Well done!!
Mary, I have tears in my eyes from your beautiful post. Walking with you during the making of this was very special and unique. You are gifted in many ways. This tribute is one of many I see down the road. Quite a change from copying a photo, isn't it? I can't wait to see the next one.
Mary...
Not having known you for long I was not aware of the loss of your granddaughter but I felt there was something very special about this work having seen it's beginnings here on your blog.
I cannot imagine the sense of loss which must have come in the beginning. While I have no image of her in my mind, except for your words, I can't help but feel that she lives in this image. It's touching and moving and a tribute both to your little one and to you.
Stacy, thank you! Yes I know she is smiling and this was possible thanks to Michael's push. If I had not done this I would have never felt this wonderful experience.
Robin, thank you for your comment and for also being there for me and listening at times when I got lost in the process. Yes definitely there is nothing like working with RL.
Karen, what a lovely comment and thank you! You and I don't see each other very often but you have touched me with your art and I count you among my favorite people.
Mary - I haven't seen your work for ages and today I found your blog again and am deeply moved by your story and touched greatly by the beautiful drawing you have created out of your heart.
Thank you Robin! What a nice surprise to see you around. I have added your blog to mine!
Beautiful thoughts and work.
Mary,
I remember your post about your angel Pao. At the time I was moved by your story of her. Your post and dedication of this beautiful piece of art to her touches me deeply, especially as I read it on Easter. Thank you, Mary, for sharing her light with us.
Robin
So good to see you back, Mary! This piece is so touching and beautiful! I'm sure that little Pao was looking over your shoulder the whole time!
Welcome back!
:)
Thank you Philip, Robin and Paula for your kind comments. I hope to work all day today on my next piece and have more frequemt updates.
Your drawing is beautiful upon first glance, but profound, after reading the back story.
Mami, un poco tarde mi comentario pero de todos modos vale.
Solo te quiero decir que no se que me haya gustado mas si el cuadro o el pensamiento que generó el cuadro.
Son las palabras mas bellas que he leído en mucho tiempo y te puedo decir que expresan de una manera muy hermosa lo que es Pao para nosotros.
Felicidades y gracias por ser como eres con nosotros.
Hijo, muchas gracias por tu comentario y visita, es emocionante saber que mis palabras hayan podido expresar el sentimiento de todos nosotros.
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