O BLESSED LIGHT
As a young girl growing up in Minnesota, a place rich in Scandinavian heritage and known for its long, cold winters, I was introduced to Luciadagen, the feast of Saint Lucia—a celebration of light during one of the darkest times of the year. Families gather to light candles, sing, and honor the light that shines amidst the cold and dark. It’s a beautiful reminder that, even when the world around us feels dark, we can still bring light to others.
As part of this tradition, a young girl wears a white dress, a red sash, and a crown of candles to represent Saint Lucia of Syracuse.
Lucia's life is remembered for her selflessness and devotion. According to tradition, she secretly brought food to refugees hiding from intense persecution, using a crown of candles to light her path so she could carry provisions with her hands free.
In this painting, I aimed to capture Lucia’s courageous spirit and quiet strength through her serene expression and the soft glow of the candle she holds. The garland crown of lit candles, as celebrated in Scandinavian tradition, serves as a reminder that light often comes at a cost—carrying it requires resolve and bravery. Lucia stands as a testament to how one person’s light can offer guidance and hope to others, even in the darkest of times.
I hope this painting resonates with you as a symbol of inner strength and the power of sharing your light with others. Whether through service, kindness, or simply holding on to hope, we can all be bearers of light in the lives of those around us.
WITH SONGS OF JOY SURROUND ME
In this painting, I wanted to capture the expansive, uplifting power of joy. The figure’s open arms and outward-facing hands symbolize receptiveness—she’s open to the light, surrounded by the gentle movement of bright yellow butterflies. They embody transformation, vitality, and the beauty that surrounds us when we let light in.
Joy is not the absence of pain. The title, "With Songs of Joy Surround Me," comes from the idea that joy, when embraced, becomes a kind of melody that wraps around us, carrying us through the hardest of times. I wanted this piece to speak universally about the strength we find when we actively seek light and joy. Joy is an anchor, a source of resilience, and a gift we can share with others.
When you look at this painting, I hope you’ll feel the energy of creation—not just in the art but in your own life. It’s a reminder that every day is a chance to add something beautiful, to move forward with purpose, and to let joy lift you. Even in moments of uncertainty, we can choose to create light. May this painting remind you of the strength within you, and that joy can be within reach.
ALL IS WELL
In creating All Is Well, I sought to depict the profound, timeless love of a mother—a love that stretches beyond the boundaries of life and death. I tried to paint the mother, tenderly cradling her child in the clouds, to embody the quiet strength and peace that accompanies a love so deep it transcends the mortal realm. I wanted the painting to feel timeless and reflect the eternal nature of a mother’s care, offering comfort that extends through all stages of life.
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This painting isn't just about the physical act of mothering; it's about the enduring, unshakeable love that exists even when we cannot physically be with those we care about. It’s a love that continues on, a reminder that the bond between mother and child does not end with death but instead remains steadfast across time. As a mother myself, I wanted to evoke this sense of calm and assurance, where the love portrayed feels eternal, embracing not just the present moment but extending across the boundaries of life and death.
WORLDS WITHOUT NUMBER
In creating this painting, I wanted to reflect the infinite possibilities of the cosmos, as well as the deep sense of wonder and awe that comes from contemplating the divine magnitude of creation. The nebula clouds, swirling in rich purples and blues, symbolize the endless potential of the universe, each star a point of divine craftsmanship. These colors were chosen not only for their beauty but to represent the mystery, the majesty, and the limitless possibilities within God's creation.
This painting invites the viewer to reflect on the reality of countless worlds—worlds that may be as unique and individual as each of us. Just as each star is distinct yet part of a grand design, so too are we each part of a larger cosmic plan. The beauty and vastness of the universe remind us of the divine intelligence behind it all, and the inherent purpose each of us carries within it. In a world where we often feel small and insignificant, "Worlds Without Number" reminds us of our part in something much larger—an interconnected, divinely ordered cosmos.
Through this artwork, I hope to convey the sense of divine wonder that comes from recognizing the infinite nature of God's work and our place within it. As we navigate our lives, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the complexities of our individual journeys, but this painting is a reminder that we are all part of a grand and eternal design, with a purpose that stretches far beyond what we can currently understand. Just as the Lord has created countless worlds, He has also created each of us with unique worth, and our existence is part of an eternal, glorious whole.
LOVE AT HOME
I wanted to capture the quiet, intimate moments between mother and child, reflecting the tender, sacred bond that transcends time. The painting shows a slightly older baby Jesus, cradled lovingly in Mary's arms. My hope was to portray a peaceful moment that reminds us of the stillness found in countless ordinary moments Mary shared with her child—moments filled with love, care, and devotion.
In the quiet strength of Mary and Jesus' embrace, I see an example that inspires each of us. Whether we are parents or not, we all have the divine capacity to nurture and strengthen those around us in unique ways. Through acts of love, encouragement, and care, we can create bonds that uplift and sustain others—offering comfort and strength, just as Mary did for her child.
Whether through motherly care or in other roles that enrich the lives of those around us, we carry within us a divine gift to strengthen and love. This painting serves as a reminder that no matter our circumstances, we can create a nurturing, loving environment for others. In doing so, we reflect the divine love that sustains us all and become part of God’s eternal work.
BE STILL
I painted Be Still during a time when I had to let go of things I couldn’t change. The angel in this piece isn’t trying to fight or fix everything—she’s simply standing, resting in the knowledge that she’s done what she can. I’ve come to believe that there’s a bigger picture, even when I can’t see it yet. This painting is a quiet reminder to trust that, in the end, it will all work out for our good.
