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Self Portrait with Pin Cusion, originally uploaded by {studiobeerhorst}-bbmarie.

I have had this painting now for 5 years. I posted it to my Etsy shop this morning and in the process of writing a description it caused me to reflect on what this piece may say about me.

I have always considered the pin cushion as a reference to the heart and the suffering mine has endured over the years. The first and most dramatic blow to my heart was the death of my mother when I was nine years old. The feminine aspect of articles on the dresser may refer to this early hardship. The thread and needles speak of mending, perhaps my personal desire to be healed. This also could reveal my desire to be one who brings healing to the people in the broken world around me. The hand held mirror in this painting was one I had for a long time and was an element in other paintings as well. It was very old and eventually fell into ruin. The items that become still life elements seem to taken on more life after being in a painting. It is as if the process of being painting makes something or some one holy.