Dear Gwen, 

Sometimes there are people that come across as spotlights in human form. You came to me - in words and descriptions, stories and photos. The overall message - the highest use of language to convey the utmost praise and respect. Reena Calm brought you. I understand her schedule and movement around this country - the amount of messages she shared with me about you (she hates using messenger) and the way I was able to feel and receive everything she wrote helped me understand instantly how open your heart is. How powerful you are, and how hard you have worked to expand during this lifetime. 

I became exceptionally fixated on a photograph of your room (I’d say I’m not a creep but I am. Oh well.) It was all of my favorite colors. In the Suburbs of Chicago where I grew up there was once a perfect replica of a 50s diner. It was called Al’s Diner and it was all pink, mint green, glittery white and black. Aside from my friend telling me she slept with the guy I liked over cheeseburgers when I was 17, my memories of that space are flawless. I was instantly taken back to the comfort of that place - I decided instantly on a 1950s/ 60s theme for this piece of art. Through working with these colors and remembering that diner I learned a lot about myself and safe, happy places in my mind. Those are just the sorts of experiences you bring to the people that you meet. Or that meet you, as you haven’t met me back. 

As I worked it became clear to me that your spirit transcends many many time periods. Like most people are just here, now. But so much of you is still there, then and it is because of the way you have spread kindness and comfort in all of your lifetimes. This is represented by all of the very different segments and shapes of the mirrors on the left side of the art. The left side metaphorically is the eternal - the all-encompassing abundance and light. While the sizes and shapes of the pieces of mirror that surround the whole (represented as a full circle that symbolizes this lifetime) are jagged and different - your reflection is the exact same in each. Just as you are who you are in every lifetime even if the shape and life stories shift. 

For a while this painting was looking a little late 80s early 90s saved by the bell esq. That transcending and being so encompassing spiritually brings so much to you - your talent as a comedian, your ability to care for others, your ability to be present for others during their last days of life, your natural ability to make a space so beautiful and welcoming. You are just all of the things. This includes adversity. As you can see in the painting - even the darkness shines though - because you take those experiences and use them in the light. 

 And you know how to use all of your talents to give others the gift of feeling a part of, appreciated and safe in that inclusion. Just like good, bright lighting - you see people for what they really are instantly. You see everything - but like a spotlight you hold them in perfection and light - and you know how to bend that light for the best for all. Not just yourself - all. 

This makes you an extraordinary advocate and trailblazer in whatever given field of work that is in your focus. I wanted to create a visual to all of the angels that follow  you - a visual to the positive impact you have made on people and community just by being you. 

So anyway. I just sang Gypsy by Fleetwood Mac to my Dachshund for 3 minutes. Her name is Harleaux Valentine. Penelope Flower Ramona is her sister, also red. I hope wherever you are reading this you can feel the simple joy of those moments. They transcend time. They light up stages. I always say there are two types of people on this planet. Dachshund's parents and the rest of the world. Studying and learning about you for this piece of art has given me a faith in humanity that I haven’t felt in a long time. Thank you. 

I hope you know how beautiful you are, in this moment especially. My intention in creating this was for every time you see this canvas you are reminded that she is a portrait of your reflection, your frequency of light, and the beauty you bring to this planet as myself, our friend Reena, and all of the angels present and beyond experience it. She is your voice on stage, in the light. Thank you for this inspiration.