Look Up Description:

This is the fourth painting I did in my canyon series and again, it is set in Antelope Canyon, Arizona.  

I chose this particular canyon because of its striking colours and awesome height.  It also emphasizes the magnitude of nature’s beauty and how insignificant we are in comparison to what God can create.

In this piece, I did a self-portrait to illustrate my reliance on faith to get me through tough times and to emphasize the ever present light of God in my life.

The chains that lay broken behind me symbolize how I envision myself breaking free of my negative thoughts and anxiety and my desire to listen to my greater calling and purpose.

The pools of water that stream through the base of the canyon represent our life force but also reflect the ease, grace, and purity of the natural world.  The water also helps emphasize the grandeur of the canyon by intensifying the depth it reflects.  I chose to include water also as a metaphor for spiritual nourishment and because it parallels the journey many of us take on our life path:  like water, we flow over, under, and through obstacles in hopes of achieving an elusive balance.  In this moment, the water is still and reflective and mirrors my self-awareness and connection to a force greater than myself.

The three beams of lights streaming through the canyon’s opening represent my three sons:  Nicolo, Xavier, and Romeo.  They are my biggest blessings and greatest joy and they constantly remind me of the most powerful emotion we all have which is love.

So when I am feeling overwhelmed and like I’ve lost my way, I just have to remember to “look up” and I know that God’s light will always lead me to where I need to be.