My mom died on February 5, 2002 after a long illness. I miss her still. This is a painting I did a few years ago of Mom. I never knew her when she was young. She married late, had me at 38 and my sister at 41. Unusual back in those days. She always seemed pretty old to me. Strangely, I had my younger son Mathew at 38. So I look at him now and at myself and wonder. I don’t feel all that old. But I’m the very same age my mother was when I was 21.

When I was going through my parents stuff, I found this picture. I love how the light was striking her, and how happy and healthy she looked. I think my Dad must have taken it when they were in Korea, before they got married (they met in Korea). I mulled about it for a long time. Then I painted the picture above. It’s acrylic on paper. The writing on the left and right are transfers of some of Mom’s recipes, in her own handwriting. Wonderful cooking was one of the ways she expressed her love for her family.

I thought I’d post this because in a few days it’s going to be eight years since she died. The painting is called “Mom’s Legacy”.

Interestingly, I’ve come across several calls for entries to shows about art and healing. One is going to be at Tohono Chul, a wonderful garden and art gallery in North Tucson. I suppose the personal work I have done would fall under this category. It’ll be interesting to see what kind of work is chosen for this exhibit.