Light And Old Growth

Light And Old Growth

6 x 6"

oil on board
© Nicki Ault, 2011  

I have had a heck of a time getting a decent photo of this painting. This is the best I have come up with. The last seven days have been the most glorious of the summer. High temperatures, very little wind, and clear blue skies. Absolutely perfect; a gift, really. The catch is I take photos of my work outside on overcast days, and despite trying, I couldn't make a photo work in such perfect weather. The air has cooled off today and the prairie winds are blowing again, so I'm back in business.

This painting has grown on me to the point that I am really liking it. I wasn't sure at first- I tried "stepping on my greens" with a bit of red, but then I had to go back in and make the forest floor glow. I can't help it. I am really enjoying the more abstract nature if this one. I may have to try another; maybe push the idea further.

~~~*~~~

Ten years ago I was at home with a bad back. I could hardly move and I was in a lot of pain. My husband woke me as he was leaving for work and said I should get to the t.v., a plane had flown into one of the World Trade Towers. I spent the morning on the couch horrified, but unable to take my eyes off the screen. Just a year earlier John and I stood at the top of The World Trade Centre when we were in New York City on holidays. I kept thinking of the men and women who were working in the food court at the top of that tower the day we were there. How terrified they must have been with what was happening to them. It broke my heart. I cried for them and all of the other civilians who were just putting in an honest days work. It is hard to grasp it all even now when I see the images being replayed. From such horror there will eventually be light and growth; a rebirth of sorts. I think the memorial that is being built at ground zero is a wonderful testament to that.

Little did I know, as I was at home in physical and emotional pain that day, that there was a little light in me, already shining brightly. I found out on September 24, 2001 that I was pregnant with Sammy. And my little corner of the world had hope again.