Transitions

There's been a constant running in the background of my artistic journey, my barn life. It began as a child when I was fascinated and enamored with my Fisher Price barn. I'd play for hours imagining caring for the animals and they becoming my best friends. In my early forties I began to volunteer at a local Mustang rescue and I was hooked. The deep bond and connection I felt with these soulful beings has sustained me through some of the most painful personal experiences in my life.

In 2015 my spouse and I built a beautiful little farm where I would bring home Macy and Firefly in November of 2016, they lived here with us until their passing in 2024 and 2023. We had also adopted Noah in January of 2016, a very aged mini mule from a killpen inTexas and in 2019, Hedwig from an horse dealer who shipped the"unwanted's" for slaughter in Mexico. Our relationship was a "knowing" without words, an energy rooted in a peaceful, grounded loyalty to one another.

Yesterday this chapter of my story came to a close. It had become clear Noah was ready to join Macy and Firefly so we surrounded him with love, watermelon and tears and gently laid him to rest. I had made arrangements for Hedwig to go to a sanctuary situation the same morning, my friend and I drove him down to Goldy's Farm where he will live with many other donkeys and learn to be handled and potentially adopted or become an ambassador for the wonderful work they do with nursing homes. It was a painful day.

This morning the emptiness I feel is cavernous. I am lost and untethered. Mornings have been my favorite part of the day, entering the barn and hearing the nickers filled my soul.. You may wonder why I'm sharing all of this, my work as an artist centers around connections. The connection I had with them showed up within me as a person and as an artist. Seeing through their eyes, interacting with their being, was powerful, a love deeply rooted in trust, empathy and compassion. My days ahead will be challenging, tearful and full of gratitude for them. It's my job now to continue their goodness through the artwork I create, the kindness, the compassion and the joy they gave freely, to embody this with every brushstroke..

Love deeply, love often, let go gracefully.

Angelique