A little while ago Molly contacted me with the request of an illustration, a gift to her friend, a friend so dear they know each other as sisters. The illustration was to mark the event of Kelly's first pregnancy, and was to be given as a gift from Molly at the baby shower.
I'm learning that when you're asked to do a commission it's always significant. It's never just "paint how we spend Sundays", it always seems to entail capturing the entire character of a person and the relationships surrounding them. When I'm first asked to do a commission it's fair to say I feel daunted by the task, but then incredibly honoured that someone I barely know has entrusted me with such faith. Upon reflection, I love it.
This, again, was one of those times.
I became privy to wedding photographs, blog posts, favourite flowers and colours, family trees and histories, pets, and tales of the strongest friendship I've ever encountered... plus the emotions of expecting your first child. I guess my part is to re-tell that story, in a form that can be hung on a wall, immediately identified and read by others. In a way that can both capture time and evolve to mean news things as time passes.
Of course I love getting feedback, especially when I can't be there to judge the response in person. Molly wrote me an email, but also the most beautiful post about what she can see in the painting (she has a magical way with words), plus photo's of how she had it framed. Then Kelly herself wrote a comment for Molly:
"...I cannot thank you enough for this beautiful gift. And I'll probably cry everytime I look at it. I can't wait to show Baby the painting and explain every intricate detail to him. Show him what family is and how much he is loved and wanted."
...a perfect example of how a mother keeps nothing for herself, she shares and gives everything, as her whole being becomes all about what she can give to her child. And unexpectedly the painting took on another meaning again.
Now my part of the relationship has ended, the painting is no longer mine... it has found it's fate, and becomes another ribbon of bonding between those within it.
Thank-you Molly. I'm so glad both you and Kelly liked it. Wishing you the very best for the arrival of baby boy.
It's been an honour.
13 comments:
Wow - what a stunning gift for a dear friend. It's just gorgeous!
Your work is impressively beautiful. :)
All I can say is WOW. I just love this! It is beyond beautiful and captures so many little details. I could look at this for hours.
gorgeous! really really!
As always - beautiful work. Seems you managed to capture something special, what a lovely gift.
wow flossy, this blows me away. Obviously I don't know the history, but I feel that there is a story behind every little detail. I love how you have done the dress with all the folds in it. the composition is exquisite, the emotion palpable. I am in awe!
this is so beautiful!! i love all the little details - im sure they will treasure it forever!!
This is such a beautiful picture. I love the detail in it. It tells a wonderful story. One they will be able to tell their new addition for many years...
Kyla
Every time I come to your blog I scroll down to look at this again. It is just so beautiful!!
That is such a beautiful piece of work! I can understand why both the giver and reciever really cherish it.
This is so wonderful!!
I'm having a lovely time reading you're blog, it's packed full of delights!!
Caroline
X
I am Kelly's mother. When she opened the gift from Molly at the shower, everyone in that room was touched. I have never seen such a beautiful piece of work. Kelly and Molly hugged and cried, and all of us were crying with them, or trying not to. Molly is more than a friend to Kelly, she's like a sister.
Dear Bonnie,
Thank-you so much for taking the time to write this to me. I really appreciate it. And I'm SO glad that my painting meant so much to everyone. It's more than I could have hoped for.
Thank-you again,
flossy-p .xx.
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