Mom (Gesso Board 6X6'', 2.10.2016) GIFTED

I am convinced that art is not about accuracy as much as it is about being able to express what it is you truly appreciate about creation. Here, what I appreciated and inspired me to paint this image was the spontaneous smile and the joy on mom's face, which for a moment in life, found the opportunity to express itself freely without any sense of self-consciousness. There's no trying to cover up crooked teeth, or a mouth and a face that some might judge as "too big" and "un-pretty". Mom herself would likely find this image of herself somewhat embarrassing. To embarrass is not the purpose of why I post or paint this image, but rather, to share the hope, joy, and a sense of love that I feel from it. This is for all you narcissists out there, myself included... that our "imperfections" does not keep the world from spinning, rather see and rest in the fact that the beauty we hold so tightly to does not come from ourselves. It's a gift bestowed upon us undeserved and free to enjoy. The One who gives us these gifts will be faithful to keep the world spinning even when we fall short. May we turn our eyes upward more and more often.