Acrylic on 12 x 12 inch deep canvas - private collection
The Story
"Quiet Repose" is a tender homage to the enduring power of familial bonds. In this portrait, the rabbit is not merely a subject of nature, but a symbol of the quiet resilience and gentle strength I see in my mother. The soft rimlight, which is a recurring motif in some of my work, traces the rabbit’s form, representing the warmth of a love that remains steadfast even as time and distance intervene.
This painting was born from a place of deep reflection on the connection between a mother and daughter, separated by oceans but united by memory. The vast, open sky and the lush green hill serve as a boundless sanctuary where love and hope reside, bridging the physical space between South Africa and my home here in British Columbia. It is a celebration of a bond that is unspoken yet eternal, rooted in the soul and illuminated by a light that never fades.
Dedicated to my Mom.
The Poem
In fields of green beneath the vast blue sky,
A brown rabbit sits, a silent, gentle sigh.
Its fur, a testament to time's embrace,
A mirror to an Ouma's aging face.
The grass, a carpet where memories roam,
Each blade a story, each whisper a home.
Beside the rabbit, in spirit she stands,
An elderly mom with worn, loving hands.
She once danced through life, her steps so light,
But now, each stride is a valiant fight.
Her mind, a maze where memories blur,
Yet love's enduring flame, it still can stir.
She lost her rock, her husband, her guide,
Now loneliness is the sea where she hides.
But her daughter's love, a beacon so bright,
Hopes to guide her through the darkest of night.
Across oceans vast, their hearts entwine,
Through whispered prayers, a bond divine.
Though miles apart, their souls still meet,
In dreams, in whispers, in memories sweet.
So as the rabbit sits in quiet repose,
Amidst the grass where gentle breeze blows,
It's a symbol of love that knows no end,
A connection that time cannot rend.
The Details
Title: Quiet Repose
Medium: Acrylic on Gallery Wrap Canvas
Dimensions: 12 x 12 inch
Status: Private Collection