Held by Grace: The Story Behind My Birds & Flowers Collection

As I look at my collection of birds and flowers, I'm pulled back to a time when life was hard and I needed rest. The more I painted these little scenes, the more I felt like the flowers represent God, and the birds represent us—taking time to rest in God’s presence.

Whether it’s a pelican on a lotus flower or a spoonbill inside a poppy, being wrapped around by the petals, the idea is the same. God, through nature, is holding us close to Him. And in nature, he's making Himself known to us.

As I paint each bird and flower petal, I often think about the person who will one day bring one of my paintings into their home. I wonder how it might touch their heart, and I spend time praying that, wherever the artwork finds its home, it brings a sense of peace, beauty, and comfort to the space—and to the soul who lives there.

God brings me new ideas of birds and flowers, but it’s a slow and very personal process. They need to fit together and feel like they belong. 

This isn’t a collection that can be forced. It has its own pace. And I look forward to seeing what future paintings this collection will entail.

Perhaps there are still little moments of rest waiting to be painted.