Creating a portrait of a child

Immersed in Her Own World

Sometimes people ask me how I choose my images.  For me. it's a highly personal and evolutionary process.  


For example, with "Immersed in Her Own World" I started out thinking about creating a toy landscape for a class I was sitting in on.  The teacher wanted us to use toys to create somewhat disturbing images, but I had a general idea of creating a softer, gentler image.  So, I visited with friends and got some wonderful pictures of their baby girl's favorite toys. But, I couldn't resist also snapping a number of images of the toy's adorable owner.  Then, when I went to compose my landscape, her image wouldn't let me go, so the landscape evolved to include her. . . and then grew into a series exploring how children's experience of their toys differ from what grown-ups might expect.   


Here's a poem I wrote while painting that captures why I chose image as part of my series:

Beloved child, fruit of my loins.

I awaited your arrival with such anticipation.

I envisioned sharing with you the things that brought me joy . . .

in my childhood, and during my child-like moments.

I so looked forward to experiencing anew the pleasure of those simple things 

as I saw them through your eyes. 

In our excitement, we who loved you, surrounded your little body with whirl of soft textures, 

and pastel and jewel-toned offerings to show you, “you are loved.”      

I never wondered if their number was more of a burden to you than a joy,  

but then I saw you with your sweet little train, 

so totally focused on that one bright thing, 

and I doubted.

But moments later, my heart was calmed when you focused 

your laser attention and love on another thing. 

That became your world for a moment, and then another thing did, 

and then me.  

Sigh.