Gingko Reflections
There is a deep longing in each of us for our love to continue. A longing that our love might be felt beyond the constraints of distance physical or otherwise.
Life is complicated. The gingko is a reminder of the unity opposites. Gingkoes are bearers of hope and symbols of love and longevity.
As I created this painting I held the practical request for a fall gingko tree, with the suggested idea that one leaf look like a butterfly (a shout out to the thyroid). And I held in my heart prayers for courage to embrace change, to step into new beginnings with a sense of hope and possibility. I held space for being gentle with sorrow and heartache.
As this painting arrived each leaf was filled with movement, each leaf reminding me of a butterfly. There wasn't one leaf that was going to look like a butterfly, but a sense that each leaf could take flight. Each one holding energy and movement and possibility. I found myself reflecting on the winter Gingko, when the leaves have fallen. This swarm of butterflies taking flight. And yet there is something about a butterfly that never departs.
And instead of focusing on loss. I found myself focusing on transformation. The butterfly is the ultimate reminder of transformation.
It is the same with the leaves falling. They aren't leaving. They are transformed, nurturing the root of the tree.
I see this whole tree holding space for transformation. For new beginnings. For hope in the darkest of times. There is a sense of the rootedness, the foundation, the "I'll always be with you" (the eternal love) in the trunk. So strong and stable and steady. And the leaves are alive and dancing and moving and beautiful.
It is the same with our love. Though physical distance may grow our love isn't lost, it takes flight.
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Creating these gingko trees was a total honor. 15 people got together to give this painting as a gift to their friend going through a health crisis and a move. The recipient is a fellow thyroid cancer warrior that I haven't met personally, yet through the creation of this piece I have gotten to know her and care for her deeply.
Though I do not long for anyone to face health challenges, this opportunity to get to be part of offering care, comfort, joy and breath is such a massive honor. This is exactly at the heart of what I want to be doing with my life. I'm so grateful.
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"Love Transformed" 38"w x 28" h (Acrylic on Canvas) (c) Bronwen Mayer Henry SOLD
Prints and products available: https://society6.com/product/love-transformed_print…