JENNIFER MERRY
Artist's Inspiration
My paintings serve as a way to memorialize my beloved younger sister, Melissa. She was a spirited, beautiful, funny, intelligent and loving soul. I loved her deeply and lost her at the young age of forty nine from a rare brain disease. During her life, Missy's number one priority was raising her boys. She found great joy in helping others and was passionate about her job as a nursery school teacher. Family gatherings at the "compound" made my sister the happiest.
I dedicate my two panels to my sister. Working on them was therapeutic and cathartic for me. As a newly retired teacher, it also felt good to get back to work making art. Each canvas contains representative symbols that I will share in this writing.
Artwork of Light & Dark
DARK
morning glory flowers come alive & die in a day
the raven represents loss & is a creature of God's protecting love
the stripes of luminous white represent the fluorescent lights in the small room where she was taken off life support
ugly industrial mint green serves as the wall color in that room
the face in deep despair is mine
"Grief is not a sign of weakness nor a lack of faith. It is the price we pay for love." Greek statesman, Pericles
LIGHT
blue was used to symbolize loyalty, serenity, immortality and heaven
the beach, anywhere, was a favorite place especially with family included
the robin is a reincarnated reminder of her presence
yellow pansies have contrasting meanings, "think of me & tough times"
the silhouettes represent her two sons at a young age
her kidneys were donated and saved 2 lives
I loved you first......because I am the oldest
irises were her favorite flower. they mean faith, hope and wisdom
"Jesus loves me" was her favorite Sunday school song & she believed Jesus loved her
"Family is not an important thing, it is everything." Michael J. Fox
DARK
This is an additional Dark piece provided from the artist.
About the Artist
I was an art teacher at Thornton Academy for 38 years!
I will be married for 40 years to my husband John this August.
My pride & joy are my two sons John & Charlie and their wonderful wives, Cait & Meg.
I am the Nana of 3, Finn, Emilia & Tucker. [They warm my core.]
I read a lot, garden, walk the beach, bake and love to socialize with friends.
I hope to increase my travels in the future, see great art and broaden my food tastes/knowledge.
Dark
Light
