What began as a portrayal of the Superstitions Mountains (a rugged mountain range east of Phoenix, Arizona) surrounded by spring wildflowers became an allegorical offering, almost a reconciliation, between man and nature. I wanted the Native American warrior, with his extended arm, to symbolize passage and peace. The dove symbolizes all of us, flying free in many forms.
I also wanted the painting to be a tribute to my mom, who passed away 43 years ago from melanoma, and whose ashes were scattered from the loftiest plateau in the Superstitions Mountains. And the flowers in the foreground are perhaps where my own ashes may rest eventually. (I have been diagnosed with stage IV prostate cancer.) I am offering this painting in a charity auction called “Art 4 Agua.” This is an acrylic painting done on a plywood panel.
