This painting is a promise – a balm to my still roiling belly and still unbirthed potentials. It is a stance I take in my very best moments. A “being” rather, than a “doing” stance. Calm and assured, I embody and thus speak my truth.
I used Phoenix to practice building altars when I was getting ready for the “Out of the Ashes” Show. It sure wanted lots of birds but then birds have been omens and messengers for me all my life. It feels good to honor them.

But it was the one I had the most fear about “nailing” down. It was so beautiful as it was first framed, simply in gold. Yet, I loved the synchronicity of the coloring of the painting and the candlestick. The latter came into my life a long time after the painting was done. During the show, which was dedicated to Frieda Kahlo, a friend came through and said she had given candlestick to Cartm and that she had bought it in Mexico City around the corner from Frieda Kahlo’s house! If that didn’t give us both chills!

In the end the painting sold without the altar – back to its more simple frame.