The painting evokes a sense of longing and joy, melancholy and wonder. The central, glowing red hearts speak to love and connection, while the surrounding mist and cooler colors introduce elements of uncertainty, memory, and perhaps a touch of sorrow for memories lost. The contrast between the radiant, warm core and the cool forest captures the duality of human experience, the desire for connection against a vast, mysterious world. It feels simultaneously quiet and hopeful, a subtle reminder of life’s persistence and longing to connect.

The painting can be read as a metaphor for the intricate, beautiful, and mystifying landscape of the human soul.

I started this painting during covid as the world experienced pain, isolation, untimely death and confusion. I found myself safe, alone, surrounded by a lovely forest and both guilty and 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 for that reason alone, it came from a heart free of worry as I watched and waited for solutions, recovery and the sound of voices again. It hung on my studio wall for years, as if I needed it to be there. Eventually I finished the edges and stretched the canvas. It has since found a wonderful home with a lovely family. 

The truth about painting is that I cannot keep my creations or I will give up the chance to keep creating. The gift is that they live a new life somewhere out there.