Let there be Light
May 2026
I asked my brother for a writing prompt for this month’s blog via text and he replied “light”. In that moment, he was experiencing the sun setting through his living room window. I too have a living room facing west and can relate. Great prompt, thank you Ed.
It’s a great prompt because I can explore this one word - light- in a few different ways.
A year ago this month, I named an art show Illuminate the Way. There were ten paintings capturing mountains, canyons, and crystal balls. The Crystal Ball series is about looking into a future. I am holding memories and people from the past close to me, yet yearning to understand how to look forward. In the painting process, after many layers of paint, I choose the best area to isolate a circular section. The section is poetic and beautiful, but nothing is crystal clear. I see a bunch of colors, twists, and turns. I hold an inner knowing that there is no right or wrong turn, merely another choice or decision in the paths ahead.
Images above: Crystal Ball 1, 2024 and Crystal Ball 2, 2024
Besides a show title about light, I realized many titles of my paintings reference light. I pooled images on my website and found a dozen titles very quickly. Ha! I had never noticed that before.
The Last Pink, 2024
Light Through a Glacier, 2023/2024
Sunny Fall Day, 2024
Daylight Ridge, 2025
Sun-Kissed, 2026
Neon Night, 2020
Let the Night Shine, 2021
Morning in the Forest, 2025
Talisman in the Canyonseries was inspired by the light in slot canyon in southern New Mexico.
Lastly, the light in New Mexico shifts artfully throughout the day. There are the sunrises, the mid-day harsh light washing things out, the evening golden hour, sunset (of course), and other times when light fills an area with warmth, color, and the finest magic. Once I danced in a sunset of sherbet light in northern New Mexico. It was like I was in the froth of sherbet punch or in a wine glass of bubbly rosé wine. That was one of the most incredible sunset I have ever seen because it engulfed me in its light and magic.
There is light all around us and a light in us that shines from within. The inner light may dim at times, but if one stokes the fire patiently, the power of light will return.