Created With Love

Some days it is the kind words of a customer that makes all the difficulties of that which I do seem worth it. Today, in juxtaposition of what seemed to me to be less-than-kind words in another situation was the recollection of yesterday’s message from this client.

As I went to Hobby Lobby tonight to get a box, some paint brushes for another project, and cat food at Walmart, I was thinking upon many things.

This order came in November by the grandmother of this little one who is celebrating her first Christmas in this big, beautiful world! She mentioned the baby would soon be having surgery to remove a small tumor visible on her face and I was asked to minimize this.

I not only minimized it, I simply ignored it as I painted her cheek normally.

These little portraits are difficult for me to do, since they are tiny and also on a round surface in which I must compensate for the distortion inherent, as best as possible. I admit they aren’t my favorite of projects but I am always happy and pleased when they are finished and received well.

Two days ago I sent a photo of the finished piece and she thanked me for “creating it with love” and wished me a Merry Christmas.

In a world where darkness can seem too much and everyday kindnesses obscured in our increasingly dehumanizing realms, and in a season of my own sense of piercing griefs, these words were an encouragement.

The light still shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.-John 1:4

I’m trying to hold onto this if even by a small thread in the situations I find myself forced to navigate.

And aren’t we all…created with love?

The joy I feel when clients communicate their feelings about my work and how gifts were received brings such meaning to all I do and strive for as an artist.   I am humbled when I think about the number of people who have personal and family keepsakes in their homes all across the United States and some pieces abroad.  Many of these works will be passed down through generations.   I am grateful to God for the gift He has given me and my good fortune of being able to work as a full-time artist.