Statement from Dandelions and other flowers

Statement from my July Exhibition and Poem

“Dandelions and other flowers: A view of my life in the wider military family

I have been privileged to collaborate with some amazing people, those who work very hard to provide wider support for this specialised network and also friends and like-minded people who wanted to share their view. Thank you to everyone who helped, both with the exhibition and by supporting me during this intense period. 

Being a “military wife” comes with its own stigmas, some fair and some not. One of the main challenges for me (and others like me) is the regular uprooting of our home and the times spent solo parenting, often with limited contact back home. Sometimes these things overlap…

My experiences so far has been personal and singular, which has created a certain point of view, but I have tried to incorporate moments and feelings which echo to all who have shared this life. I hope that within my story you have found a piece of your own and a feeling of solidarity. 

The exhibition also features a number of flower paintings, my other love. When the depth of figurative painting becomes too much I retreat into the world of nature. Painting these flowers gives me solace and joy and a wealth of memories from where in the world I found them.”

I am reposting this on my blog as many of the Dandelion pictures now sit on my website, dotted around both the portfolio and the available art and I wanted to share the thanks once again for everyone who makes painting possible for me. We are not alone unless we want to be, but it is not always easy to share and open up. For all those, both in past postings and in our current one, who are supporting and keeping me sane.. Thank you. I’m here if you need to talk. 

Special shout out to Dandelion Military Families, a bunch of wonderful ladies who have made it their mission to not let people feel alone, especially in the very tender and raw time post-partum. Keep it going ladies. 

A New Beauty Poem,

written in gold on the edge of the painting:

They say my child is a dandelion child

A New Beauty

Where the wind blows, so we go

We follow truck, far and wide

Making fun and new lives as we flow

Our roots are new, but they are strong

Our hearts make homes to love

Friends made quick and remembered long

Supported when times are tough

These lessons we learn, not always welcome

But they teach us many things

Resilience, patience, how time may come

To open and spread our wings.