I made many mistakes while creating this symbolic self-portrait. I am at peace with that. Frankly, it’s absolutely appropriate because I am far from perfect, definitely flawed, and I learn great lessons from my mistakes…all too often.

As discussed in my previous blog post, the suit of HEARTS symbolizes spring, home, heart, emotion, love, childhood, vulnerability, art (poetry and music), water and karma. The better you know me the more you will understand, but look closely and play along.

Queen of Hearts, Mixed Media, 80 cm x 120 cm

The queen is an artist, certainly a vulnerable path to choose as critics wait to dissect and critique her work. She is painted with bright and cheerful colors of spring.  Choosing spring was appropriate.  The last four years, this queen has woken up to spring in four different cities.  Her transient lifestyle leads to fresh beginnings.

The fleur de lis represents her upbringing, heritage and love of anything French. Scripture pages and crosses symbolize her faith. Music pages, her palette and brush represent the arts. Cookbook pages and wine glasses represent daily passions. Four flowers represent her family.

Crossword puzzle paper appropriately represents this queen, who is often tough to figure out. You never quite know what she is thinking (or over-thinking!).  She doesn’t either.  Barely visible words in the crossword puzzle state, “Can’t Be Tamed,” the name of a pop song by a rebellious musician. This queen doesn’t want to be limited, or to conform. Individuality and independence are important, even though it can lead to a simple life.

This queen is no angel, but the green angel, placed near her heart represents a history and continuation of youthful bonded friendships, sisterhood, a strong education, and the building blocks of encouragement that started her on a path in the arts. For all of these and more, this queen is feeling grateful.