Nurse Stump - September

September, oil on linen panel, 12” x 16”, 2023 - Available

The orbit I created for myself around this stump became a metaphor for me, about aging, fading, changing, holding on, persisting, providing sustenance for a community. Making room for a relationship with the stump allowed me to think less about my work, my inadequacies, my relevancy, my aging body – all things I can fixate on that haunt me as I grow older. The nurse stump was there for me living though each day, rain or shine as she always has done. Visitors to the park who walked by me while I was painting became “regulars”, an extended group of forest lovers who witnessed my devotion. My practice has really helped introduce me to embrace this kind of community connection, where observing something over time can change all of us.