Prep drawing for Skype portrait diptych
charcoal over acrylic on canvas
Mother and child
8 x 8 inches x 2 = 8 x 16 inches
Barbara Muir © 2009
I remember sitting in the doctor's office on my first visit
when I was pregnant with Christopher. The doctor,
put her hand on my knee, looked me and Steven in the
eye and said seriously, "what happens now is a cell
explosion. It's a miracle when it works, but if it doesn't
you can't beat yourself up, it's not your fault." The
first time I saw each of my children will be emblazoned
in my mind and heart forever. I had never felt that kind
of love before they arrived. Now every single day they
surprise me, teach me, change my world in ways I could
never have imagined when we decided to have "a baby."
That said I know many people without children whether
by choice, or circumstance, who are motherly, or fatherly
in the best sense, both male and female. I think it's worth
honouring where we came from, and honouring the ability to
nurture, encourage and give support to children, friends,
colleagues and the community at large.
My own mother has been a beautiful woman all her life.
She was there to rock us to sleep, read us our bed time
stories, cook our suppers, listen to our triumphs and lows,
and steer us on the path to the grown up lives we chose. She is
a mainstay, an inspiration and a strong, vibrant, intelligent
woman. I love her and she knows it, and she loves me
and I know it too. And that's major.
The picture tonight is the first step in a painting
of my neice and her little girl.
She is one of the best mothers I've ever met, as is her
mother, my sister. I've learned so much from both of them.
Got to go now, my sons, Christopher and Sam and my
husband Steven are taking me out for dinner. It's been
a sweet day, flowers, breakfast in bed, and even time to
think about and start a new painting (s). I really
love the diptych format.
Have a loving-to-be-nurturing day.
You echoed a thought I had today: a woman I know, had no children of her own, but she still was nurturing to the kids that entered her life through relatives and marriages... it needs to be honored: right on, Barbara.
ReplyDelete'Cell explosion': you had a doctor that had a clear understanding of the process, and didn't lose perspective.
Happy "Nurturing is Honored Day," Barbara.
Love your blog and your art!
Hi Edgar,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much. You do understand what I'm saying. You don't have to be a mother or father to help transform the world with kindness and care. I've met many people who parent the world, but don't have any children of their own.
Have a great nurturing day Edgar. You and Melinda always nurture the blog world with your thoughtful words and great art.
Take care,
Barbara