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A Lifetime of Memories
“A lifetime of Memories” Acrylic 36x18 Marie Johnson, to me is simple and relaxed. As we spoke, I realized those simple things are what she treasures the most. As always, I try to find out as much as possible about the people I am creating a painting for. I hope to gather enough elements to create something special for them, at the same time trying to find something within them to apply to my own life. Many times the obvious comes to mind such as what makes your children so special. Cody, Marie’s son is extreme and wild yet affectionate. Her daughter Molly is loyal, hard working, and dependable. Sometimes it’s a nickname that makes us laugh or ponder upon where the hell the name came from. Marie's significant other Craig, has the crazy nickname Dummy. While Marie’s nickname Binka, given to her by her beloved grandson or as they quickly referred to as the little hurricane Donta, makes us wonder where he came up with this obscure word.. Even our pets like Marie’s shy Stella, the Basset Hound, and Sophie, the timid and afraid of men Basset Hound, have traits and personalities that make us so attached to them. When Marie started off by describing her memories of Sand Point and her treasured family cabin, it was obvious this was a place that was more than just a family destination. I could sense the deep rooted affection for moments that froze in time at Sand Point Lake in Crane Minnesota or as many around here refer to simply as...Up North. I could visualize her descriptions of the rocky shore, and sense the delight she had in recapturing the moments of time shared with her mother picking wild blue-berries. Just imagine how long her parents must have held on to the images in their mind watching Marie enjoy this wonderland. This treasure must have seemed like their own personal piece of heaven, as they gazed at the end of the earth or across to the Canadian border with the sun setting over the great pencil pines. All of this from the comforts of their cabin on the point. It was at this time when I started to realize what I needed to take away from Marie. It was to embrace the simple times shared with friends and family. I now have purchased my own lake front home on a point. This home needs an immense amount of work. I often wonder was it worth it? By the way Marie described her memories I quickly realized that yes indeed it was the right thing to do. My kids have a paradise. They will not dwell on the outdated wall paper and 70’s decor in the bathrooms yet to be remodeled. They will treasure swimming off our dock with their beloved yellow lab who will chase tennis balls longer than you can throw them. They will remember fishing, biking, ridding scooters down our long driveway and running through the neighborhood with their friends with just as weird nicknames like O’dog. All in all it is much the same as the memories of my childhood. They will grow up and reminisce about something that was unique for them. Maybe it will be the sight of the glimmering water, or the friendly waves above and below the boat of those passing by our back yard on little fountain lake. Or possibly it will be the giant foot long prehistoric looking snapping turtle we found last summer in our garage. Whatever it may be this is what we all must remember... cherish these times, the simple times and simple events that happen daily. Just like Marie as she creates her own rustic paradise at Riceford Creek, likewise what her parents created for her... “A Lifetime of Memories.”
Views: 600
“A lifetime of Memories” Acrylic 36x18 Marie Johnson, to me is simple and relaxed. As we spoke, I realized those simple things are what she treasures the most. As always, I try to find out as much as possible about the people I am creating a painting for. I hope to gather enough elements to create something special for them, at the same time trying to find something within them to apply to my own life. Many times the obvious comes to mind such as what makes your children so special. Cody, Marie’s son is extreme and wild yet affectionate. Her daughter Molly is loyal, hard working, and dependable. Sometimes it’s a nickname that makes us laugh or ponder upon where the hell the name came from. Marie's significant other Craig, has the crazy nickname Dummy. While Marie’s nickname Binka, given to her by her beloved grandson or as they quickly referred to as the little hurricane Donta, makes us wonder where he came up with this obscure word.. Even our pets like Marie’s shy Stella, the Basset Hound, and Sophie, the timid and afraid of men Basset Hound, have traits and personalities that make us so attached to them. When Marie started off by describing her memories of Sand Point and her treasured family cabin, it was obvious this was a place that was more than just a family destination. I could sense the deep rooted affection for moments that froze in time at Sand Point Lake in Crane Minnesota or as many around here refer to simply as...Up North. I could visualize her descriptions of the rocky shore, and sense the delight she had in recapturing the moments of time shared with her mother picking wild blue-berries. Just imagine how long her parents must have held on to the images in their mind watching Marie enjoy this wonderland. This treasure must have seemed like their own personal piece of heaven, as they gazed at the end of the earth or across to the Canadian border with the sun setting over the great pencil pines. All of this from the comforts of their cabin on the point. It was at this time when I started to realize what I needed to take away from Marie. It was to embrace the simple times shared with friends and family. I now have purchased my own lake front home on a point. This home needs an immense amount of work. I often wonder was it worth it? By the way Marie described her memories I quickly realized that yes indeed it was the right thing to do. My kids have a paradise. They will not dwell on the outdated wall paper and 70’s decor in the bathrooms yet to be remodeled. They will treasure swimming off our dock with their beloved yellow lab who will chase tennis balls longer than you can throw them. They will remember fishing, biking, ridding scooters down our long driveway and running through the neighborhood with their friends with just as weird nicknames like O’dog. All in all it is much the same as the memories of my childhood. They will grow up and reminisce about something that was unique for them. Maybe it will be the sight of the glimmering water, or the friendly waves above and below the boat of those passing by our back yard on little fountain lake. Or possibly it will be the giant foot long prehistoric looking snapping turtle we found last summer in our garage. Whatever it may be this is what we all must remember... cherish these times, the simple times and simple events that happen daily. Just like Marie as she creates her own rustic paradise at Riceford Creek, likewise what her parents created for her... “A Lifetime of Memories.”
Views: 600
