"FONTAINE BLEUE"
Two of my favorite things are water and the color blue. They are a part of my soul and evoke a myriad of memories and feelings that are both wonderful and bittersweet.
My most treasured vacation was the week I spent in Aruba with my son Trevis. Aruba is as close to paradise as I’ve ever seen, with its crystal blue waters, soft white sand, and a constant gentle breeze. We called the trip our “Mother-Son Cancer Retreat.” Trevis’s health was declining and I was frantically searching for any type of treatment that might help him. We already knew that his type of rare cancer was incurable, yet we always hoped that he would be the one to beat the odds.
We stayed at a beachfront cottage and the tranquil blue ocean waves lulled us to sleep every night. It was a magical week and we took the time to live every single moment to its fullest. We took a glass beadmaking class and found it to be very meditative and peaceful. Trevis was a foodie and sought out local foods for us to try that were simply amazing. We also savored a five-course gourmet meal that was lovingly prepared by our favorite chef. We spent hours just watching the ocean and sharing our thoughts. Nothing was left unsaid.
Just five months after we returned home, Trevis lost the battle he had so fiercely and heroically fought. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by so many of us who loved him. Being his mother was such an honor and a gift. He inspired me to be more, to do more, to live more, to love more. I saw the world through his eyes and it was a wonder to behold.
On a clear spring day, I captured a beautiful image of luminous blue waters in a local fountain. Pink cherry blossoms were scattered on the surface and sunlight playfully danced throughout the bubbling waters. Someone saw my photo and asked for a horizontal format to better suit their space. And when I created this panoramic image from the original version, I fell in love with it even more!
For me, the best part of being an artist is the ability to bring joy and beauty to the lives of others. I see life differently now and that view is reflected in my work, where I strive to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. Inspiration is everywhere, and my imagination is sparked by everything I see, feel, and experience, whether traveling the world or exploring my own backyard. The time I spend creating nurtures my soul and takes me to a place of calmness and serenity. I hope that when you view my work, you will experience the same sense of peacefulness and wonder.
