This painting was inspired—and in some ways haunted—by the fires in California. When a fire occurs, there is great loss and devastation. Yet there is also rebirth, change, and new growth.
I wanted to paint a tree consumed by flames, yet still beautiful—the gnarled trunk and branches, the glow of the fire, the wind swirling smoke around its captive form. The painting may feel dark, but I find myself drawn to it, like a moth to flame. I’ve decided to title this piece Rebirth.
I find myself relating to this piece on a personal level. When we first moved to Sweden, not knowing a single soul, I faced years of depression and darkness. The challenges were many: adapting to a new culture and language, having no friends, no car, no job, a husband who traveled often, two dogs, and a newborn baby to care for. Those circumstances explained the depression, but it took dwelling in that darkness to truly appreciate the light.
Life is full of conundrums, tests, and challenges—some lasting only a moment, others stretching across a lifetime. Painting has become a way for me to process my feelings and reconnect with my creative side. Of course, painting also awakens those negative voices that whisper: Am I good enough? Talented enough? Most of the time, I can tell them to quiet down and let me simply enjoy the act of creating something new. Exploring my creative side has also helped me let go of control and trust the process—to take things a little less seriously and simply have more fun. And really, that’s something we could all use more of.
I’m curious—what emotions does this painting bring out in you? What do you see when you look at it?
Thank you for being on this creative journey with me. May this piece remind us that even in the ashes, there is always the possibility of light, growth, and renewal.