SOLITUDE

Solitude is the thing the lonely children know, at first as an unwelcome companion, but later as a benevolent strength. Solitude takes us by the hand, shows us secret places, brings us to a broad space wherein we can breathe and create. New worlds form as we begin to better understand our own by being at last truly part of it. From long hours resting in the arms of nature, owing nothing to anyone, and being given endless inspiration and joy with nothing asked in return besides our enjoyment: we begin to understand the essence of true, unconditional love.

Through solitude we discover that we are never truly alone, if we are looking closely!

This painting honors the place of my childhood, deep in the farmlands of the American Midwest. I remember many solitary afternoons relishing the fields, the inviting softness of impossibly verdant Stellaria Media (common chickweed) which grew beneath apple trees; the clarity of the creek water, and my very poor attempts at making flower crowns.

Copyright Abbi Schellhase 2020. All rights reserved.