Originally, this piece was painted for a family who came to see me at one of my exhibitions. They fell in love with my work and asked whether I could interpret their family into a painting.
Immediately, I had a very clear vision of what I should paint for them. It was like POW! There it is. This image came into my head; it was so quick and so strong. It was like the painting had always been there floating, waiting for me to meet this family. Amazing. When that happens, I believe it’s telling me that I'm on the right track.
Cranes and their Babies depicts a family on an outing together, sharing a moment in time. It looks like a firework show. But instead of fireworks, the scene is the universe and all it has to offer these children in their lifetime. The cranes show their babies how much there is to learn and explore. With an open heart and mind, they will discover anything is possible.
Each creature has a symbolic meaning to this story.
Gold flying fish are symbolic of opportunities to come, reminding the babies to spread their wings and follow their own inner, golden glow. While butterflies represent transformation and metamorphosis. Their children will grow and develop at their own pace, so they must be open to change and new beginnings.
Frogs are symbolic of health and strength. As a species, frogs won’t live anywhere that is toxic or unhealthy. So, if you have frogs in your garden, you have a healthy ecosystem.
Grasshoppers, in this painting, portray strength and courage. The cranes teach their children to stand in their own strengths, which helps them accept change, and be able to move forward when life needs them too.
Lastly, the magnificent turtles are symbolic of riding the currents of life and taking time out to slow down. They teach this family to look around and appreciate everything they have.
