Acrylic 60x48   The beauty of libraries much like families is that they are filled with stories and knowledge. All of these stories are very different but still individually unique. They all possess opportunities for us to learn.   Over the past few years I have become quite intrigued with the experiences connected with these personalized paintings. I enjoy learning about others and the process of applying the elements I admire in them, to my own life. With this piece what I think about the most is the phrase, “In order to teach we must first learn,” which is carved into the terra cotta above the entry of The Thorn Library. This phrase is my reminder that every member of my family and also my friends are unique. In order to truly connect with them I must first really understand who they are, what makes them special. Everyone has something within them that you can appreciate and learn from.   While discussing this painting with Marjorie and Stephen their passion for their family was obvious. They openly discussed their fears, hopes, and dreams related to their family. They let everything become out into the open. With this in mind, I thought it would be best to put their stories on the facade of this building. This would show that they don’t want to hide their passions, they want everyone to know that it is the uniqueness of their family that they treasure the most. With this painting, both of them simply wanted to find a way to let their children know that they receive life's greatest pleasures and rewards equally through them. Even though the interests of the Thorn family members will change over the years. My hope for all of them and others who view this work, is to realize that we must always look deep into who people really are, appreciate them and grow with them. By learning more about others we can learn more about ourselves and continue in the great process of enlightenment.   

While meeting with the Thorn’s, Marjorie asked me if I realize the Legacy that I will leave for my children. Meaning with the personalized paintings I have created for others. To that point I had not thought of it much, but now obviously the seed has been planted and I think about it quite often. I think everyone has an opportunity to create a legacy. It is within our children, friendships and simply how we choose to live our lives. I personally admire the legacy my wife is creating now with my children more than my own. My wife is the silent one, known to many as the painters wife. In all reality she is the one who keeps our family moving forward, by taking on the extra responsibilities around the house which in return allows me the opportunity to pursue my own aspirations. While doing this, she is still the one that has the better outlook as to what really is important in life. She is the one that spends more time with our children following through on what we believe is important to our children's development. She is also the one that I learn the most from. She is the backbone of our life's greatest work ...our children.   I hope the Thorn’ s realize they too have created in many ways a Legacy and it will live within their children, friends and family.