This is my ‘month of letting go’. I have been letting go of a lot of things, physical and emotional. A few days ago I decided – I must let go of my painting, Return to Love.
I think I first exhibited it the year that my husband Greg was diagnosed with cancer. He was the one who named it ‘Return to Love’. It was a highly significant time, we didn’t know if he would live or die, and whether this would be the last exhibition of mine that he attended. He ended up speaking at the opening night, from his wheelchair. There were hundreds of people there. His voice was hoarse from the side effects of chemotherapy, but his heart, as was mine, was bursting with love. It was very special.
I love the name Return to Love, because of those early months with Greg when he was first diagnosed. It was truly a ‘Return to Love’. We were both so scared, and yet so grateful for the gifts of love and kindness and generosity that were showered upon us.
It was a time of spiritual renewal and faith that I will forever associate with that painting. The darks and lights in the image are actually about the challenges of life…and the Divine Grace that surrounds us. The leaves and flowers are a metaphor for the growth that came during that period of intense trial.
Greg passed away four years after he gave that speech on opening night. And since then, Return to Love has been part of my private collection, some part of me unable to let it go. But then a few days ago, I decided it was time, and the very next day, I received an inquiry about it.
This year LOVE is one of my words. I’m returning to it, I’m consciously sharing it, I’m gratefully aware at every moment, of all the gifts of love that surround me from family and friends.
So I thought it was really time to share the story of Return to Love. And let it go.
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If you would like to know more about Return to Love, here are some facts:
-it measures 61cm by 76cm by 4cm (24 in x 30 in x 1.5 in)
-it’s highly textured and the motifs were created using lace and leaves.
-it’s painted entirely in shades of red and in white.
-it has about 25 layers of paint and texture on it.
-it’s painted in acrylics on canvas.
-it’s priced at AUD $925 (about USD $700).
-I will ship it anywhere in the world with a modest shipping charge.
Click here if you’re interested in buying (or enquiring about) ‘Return to Love’.
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If you’d like to leave a comment, I love them, I read and reply every one 🙂 Click here.
Comments 26
What a beautiful painting and post xox
Author
thank you my lovely xxx
You are brave 🙂
Author
you are nice 🙂
A truly beautiful painting and beautiful story, Malini. I just love the colours …. and the symbolism!
Author
Thank you Moira, that is so warm and kind of you xxx
It’s a beautiful creation. I love the depth in it. Thank you for sharing your story x
Author
You are so kind Emma, thank you so much for stopping by and taking the time to share xxx
I just LOVE your art Malini!!! Every time I see one of your pieces my heart warms with love. I can feel the care and energy you put into your paintings. I’m in awe of your gift. I’m sure that with the passion you have, your art can be felt across the world!
Author
Hey sweeetie, thank you for those beautiful words. They reached across the thousands of miles between us and wrapped themselves around my heart 🙂 xxx
I love this very moving piece of exquisite art that you are offering and whoever receives it will have a constant reminder in their lives that we can all return to love. Thank you Malini
Author
oh what a beautiful thing to say, dear friend. Thank you so much. x
Dear Malini, I appreciate the courage it took to announce that you have decided to let go of this painting, a beautiful piece of artwork with such an emotional tie. I am in the Year of Miracles with you, and understand the significance of letting go. It is an art, a challenge, and from the depths of our souls a blessing and a miracle. When we let go, we create space for something new to fill that space. With love, Pamela
Author
You are so right Pamela. It’s an amazing lesson that I am learning. I am looking forward to new energies coming into my life with all this ‘letting go’ 🙂 Thank you for stopping by and for sharing your thoughts. much love xx
Dear Malini,
It is such a beautiful piece of artwork! I couldn’t stop looking at it and can only imagine how much more it would draw me in to see it for real, not the computer.
You are very brave and I wish you so much joy for the future.
Much love,
Shirley
Author
Shirley I am deeply touched at your words, thank you so much. That is the hugest compliment an artist can receive 🙂 Much love and gratitude x
Beautiful story – lovely picture. I am sure the love is being returned from the next world as well.
Author
Yes, Robin, I think so. The painting is sitting on his chair for now. I feel like he’s looking after it 🙂
Mal, I had the honour of being at that art exhibition, and also of being present at some of the preparation. The joy and love that was felt by everyone was palpable. Greg was in his element. It was a seminal moment in your art, I feel. This painting is one of those pieces of art that encapsulates so much about the love and the trust and the strength of those times….
Author
It was a special evening. We are fortunate to have shared so many incredible moments in life. I am particularly grateful. Thank you so much for always being there for me. xxx
You Malini Parker are one very special gutsy talented lady who will be forever loved……especially by Greg xxxx and a true honour for me to have met you.
Author
oh Lyn, that is so very kind of you. Not so brave really, there are days I feel like I just want to lie under a blanket and curl up in a ball 🙂 But thank you so much for your very kind words. It was an honour to meet you also. I’m glad our paths crossed. xxx
This piece moved me deeply… especially with the shared story. I cannot help but feel the depth of his soul in that he would choose such a name, because when I look at it, I see exactly that, a return to love. I see his soul, and your soul. I see so many deep stories. I don’t comment much, but I want you to know I have been following your writing here quite a bit more in the past few months, and am loving each and everyone one. Thank you!
Author
Sarah dear, although we have never met, we have shared much across the continents and the eventful years. I deeply respect your art, and I’m honoured that you follow my stories. Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and share such beautiful and loving words. Much love to you. xxx
..that is probably just supporting information: of course you have used more lights than darks which I feel is of overall importance- at least the impressionists did.
Lol: I was looking for your use of broken line technique (I’m really into that now: I go to the art gallery just for that reason alone!) and was astounded to see it being used to let in more dark… Where the leaves are separated here and there.
Broken line technique, from my amateur readings, was used to let in more light to the picture: it’s an impressionist technique.
Maybe I’m describing something else but I am learning and having fun looking at this picture.