“Hope is a thing with feathers, that perches in the soul, and sings the tune without the words, and never stops at all.” – Emily Dickinson

The inspiration behind this painting comes at a time when Lindsey feels we could all use more hope in our lives. The definition of hope is "an optimistic state of mind that is based on an expectation of positive outcomes with respect to events and circumstances in one's own life or the world at large.”

Words are powerful and hold frequency and vibration. Her hope is that this gilded oil painting will be a visually uplifting experience for viewers, that it will find a home with an inspired and elevated aesthetic style, and that the collector will find peace and joy in a visual reminder to live each day with a brightness of hope in their heart. 

The florals positioned in front of the "O" are peonies, magnolias, roses, ranunculus, and lilies. They all flourish together to capture the essence of divine beauty and are a representation of various virtues such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, long-suffering, gentleness, faith, self-control, forgiveness, temperance, and chastity. Inspired by the scripture in Philippians 4:8 "Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are noble, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things." 

We live in a world full of virtue and vice. There may be times in our lives where we hold on to a vice too tightly and may not be aware that if we just let it go and trust in our journey to improve ourselves, we may be given something ten times more beneficial for our growth. Hope is a powerful emotion, an optimistic feeling, and positive action which can help us not only to combat negativity but also to overcome and conquer anything that holds us back. Hope helps us to keep pressing forward toward a brighter future. 

In the painting are three monarch butterflies, representing the soul’s journey, hope, and the beauty of change. Symbolically that number shows up frequently in my work as a representation of balance, mind/body/spirit, the Godhood. or Trinity. From the caterpillars struggling within the chrysalis to a butterfly’s wings in flight, the transformation should give us a glimpse at the majestic wonder of nature and creation. A perfect example of a positive outcome. You will also notice the sparrow who, as Christ tells us, is never overlooked or forgotten, and here this bird sings the comforting song of happiness, hope, and love. 

The melody of hopefulness fills in the gaps of darkness. “Hoping" exercises our faith into something better, bigger, and brighter. Hope helps us hold on to truth, because hope is a feeling of trust. May we all strive to have a little more HOPE and to remember that we are all divinely designed to bloom, blossom, and grow within each season. If we can count on the stars shining brightly for us each night, as well as the sun rising and setting in its radiant light, we can count on our hearts to be guided on an illuminated path. You are being cheered on! Keep going...