I went for a walk in my painting, 4 years after painting it. And something miraculous happened. Let me tell you the story...
The painting, "Megan Jill", is a commissioned piece from 2009. It was to depict not only the boat, whose namesake would be the recipient of the artwork, but also the quaint Maine village of Friendship Harbor. Several of the wharves and buildings were owned by the same family as the lobster boat. I took on the project, using a photograph as a reference, as I had never been to Friendship, Maine.
Fast forward to 2013...while on an trip up the coast of Maine, my friend suggested we visit the coastline north of Damariscotta. We headed toward Friendship Harbor and I became excited to see it firsthand! As we drove down the narrow, curved pavement (upper right portion of the painting) and onto the wharf and I felt like I was back in time. Back to the days when I was sketching and painting the piece. I recognized all the buildings, the bait shacks, the peaks of the houses...it was surreal and fascinating to this artist's brain!
Of course, I wanted to find the Megan Jill! So I explored each corner...but came up empty. Walking down the last pier, one boat caught my eye, the Jill Marie, as I strolled past it. But it was not the same color, so I kept moving. When I came back from the end of the pier, I read the words "Jehovah Jireh" painted on the side of the Jill Marie. I hadn't noticed them the first time I walked by!
Translated, this means "The God Who Heals". Tears began to fall from my eyes. I knew it was God speaking to my heart. Telling me I am on the right path. For back in 2009 I was diagnosed with a troubling illness within a few days of quitting my job and pursuing this artistic journey full time. As I worked my way through the emotional roller coaster ride that accompanies any serious diagnosis, painting kept me grounded in the present moment. Painting was, and continues to be, a tremendous instrument in my day to day peace. Through the miracle of prayer (mine and those of my precious friends) I have continued to paint full time for nearly 5 years now. It is my dream come true. Being able to express myself through watercolor painting has truly brought great healing, to my soul, and subsequently to my body. I am grateful beyond words to my God and the special people in my life who lend loving support and encouragement to me as I walk this amazing walk called the journey of life!
Friendship...the name of the place...and the name of so much more!
