Sweet Sixteen (2021)

| 30” x 30” | oil on canvas |

The sentiment behind this artwork, one of sixteen, is evident in the verses of the poem that follows. Both the artwork and the poem (both titled ‘Sweet Sixteen’) were created to commemorate the sixteenth birthday of the artist’s beloved daughter. On the back surface of each canvas is the handwritten poem.

Sweet Sixteen

“Like yesterday, your coming-of-age

In being, in becoming, a new beginning

The canvas of life, yours to prime

Shoed or unshoed, make your mark

In deed and purpose, bless the earth

The canvas of life, yours to paint

A dozen and four, the years of youth

A gestation it is, of hope, or promise

The canvas of life, yours to frame

Let the candles burn; a little prayer

Let your lips move; a simple wish

The canvas of life, yours to cherish”