The central red hearts speak to love and connection, while the surrounding mist and cooler colors introduce elements of uncertainty. The contrast between the radiant leaves and the cool forest captures a mysterious world, simultaneously quiet and hopeful.

I started this painting during covid while the world experienced isolation, death and confusion. I was safe, but isolated and alone, surrounded by a lovely forest, grateful for my situation. It was a first for many artists as we were allowed to collect unemployment insurance for the first time in history, giving us brief respite from financial worries. This painting is different, it came from the confines of solitude as I watched and waited for the world to recover, when we could connect with friends again. It hung on my studio wall for years, the canvas stapled to the wall as I often do to save storage space. Eventually, I stretched the canvas and the painting has found a wonderful home with a lovely family.  

I cannot keep all my creations or I will be buried in paintings and give up the chance to keep creating. The gift is that they live a new life for others to enjoy.