Papillon du Matin 04.24.20
2020, oil on panel, 30″ x 30″
BEAUTY In the midst uncertainty and fear. My daily post of one image of beauty to counter the currently overwhelming fear narrative.
Just finished this piece. This belongs to my Papillon du Matin (Morning Butterfly) series. I haven’t painted in this series in years but making my BEAUTY posts has reawakened me to the power in these pieces. They are all unique and this one is no exception. I think the reason I’m drawn to them again, is that the symbolism is so meaningful to me today. The original piece from which all have been based, emerged when I was painting purely from passion and heart and had less of a defined sense of my own voice as an artist. It feels so good to go back to that place and remember what it felt like to be less certain and sure of myself. Except for the immutable fact that I wanted to and had to paint—something still true for me today, I’ve changed so much. That young, driven, cocky, insecure yet courageous young man is barely recognizable to me today. I’ve only been able to do so by painting this and remembering. So to revisit this place, even a changed person, is to experience once again, what it was like to paint with a childlike wonder and curiosity.
Hello old friend….
