8:00 pm • The sun is beginning to set and the colors are mixing together. It has been a long day for this Grey Wolf. Tired and weary on the inside, this stoic wolf appears strong, confident, and in charge on the outside. But there is hope as evening comes. Maybe the Grey Wolf will find something to sustain himself this evening or in the coming days. Maybe not. Life is difficult sometimes.
This piece is about a lovely soul who passed away from suicide. He was too young, he was too sweet. He reminded me of a wolf. I thought he was strong and I thought his soul was fine but sometimes stoic appearances cover tired weary insides. We found wolf tracks right after we heard the news of his passing. It seemed very clear that I needed to paint a piece for him. Though this piece is about him it helped me work through my own stuff. In working on this piece I came to a clearer understanding that we need to tell others about times when we felt tired and weary. We need to create open conversations so other folks know they can tell us when they are tired and weary. In talking, relating, and really seeing we can offer a path towards healing.
I hope that you are finding comfort with whatever you might be struggling with. We are all struggling with something and taking a moment to connect with the folks around you – to say something kind, listen to their story, appreciate their wisdom, share your story – will make you feel less alone in that.
Featured flora and fauna • Orange Hawkweed, Common Wood Nymph Butterfly, Gray Wolf, Hepatica
