Mother

   Many of us have or had mothers that didn't give us what we needed when we were children. This can be so difficult, as the mother is supposed to be nurturer, protector, mama bear, caregiver, and the like. 

   When I was a child, my parents got divorced when I was 4.  That was the '70's, so the mother usually got custody. Mine did, and here we go. Mom got the nice house, my sis and myself. It was a rather large and lonely place where often I'd come home to an empty house, even sometimes when it was dark outside. I came to find out in adulthood that I was a Latchkey Kid. I had a name! 

   I spent many a night out on the hall stairs, too scared of the dark to sleep. I realize now it wasn't so much the dark, but the feeling of loneliness that came from divorce and not having the father in the home.

​   This painting, Safe with Mother, is about what I longed for as a child, the feeling of safety, security, love, belonging, calmness, and having a mother that would protect no matter what. This sort of painting is some therapy for me, very good for me and the art, as it contains honesty, as well as an integrity in terms of my mood when I painted it. 

   Maybe, with the help of my better half, Misty and the good souls (many are collectors, interestingly enough), I can heal from the traumas of the past. By God, I CAN love. By God, I CAN be okay with myself and the world. Hey, I'm still here.

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