Calm After the Storm Print

Calm After the Storm was painted in early 2021 following the zenith of the pandemic. Winter was ending and spring showers were rolling through the Great Lakes. The painting not only represents what was going on in the world around us, but the calming storm that had raged in our lives and the promise of a brighter day ahead. The Story: The storm had raged all day, and even though signs of relief now glowed against the horizon, the very foundation of the house still shuddered at the slightest wisp of wind. Was it truly over? I wondered with the smallest flare of hope inside my chest. Eyes fixated on the sky, I sat huddled against the corner of the couch, nerves jittery; body on edge. It was a long moment before I realized I was holding my breath. I let the air slide out of my lungs with a slow exhale. I hated storms. I hated the shudder of thunder that reverberated down my spine and shook the floor beneath my very feet. I hated the flash of lighting that promised something dark while presenting itself within the façade of light. I knew better, and I wasn't fooled. It was a different kind of light. One that would draw you in with it's intensity and breathtaking presentation, but that was part of it was lie. My fingers flexed against the soft blanket drawn against my chest. The flimsy warmth it provided unnecessary in the heat of my home. Yet the comfort it provided was unmeasurable, for it was this blanket that kept me enclosed in its soft embrace even as the storm raged on outside. Here in this home, with this blanket, I was safe. In here, the raging storm outside was nothing but a distraction. I could ignore it if I so chose. Yet, I didn't move. Instead I clutched the blanket tighter and watched the dark skies break with the warm glow of soft light. This light had power, and under it's touch there was truth to be revealed. Shifting forward for the first time in hours, I watched in anticipation as the golden hues reach the trees and lit up the canopy, its radiant touch near to reaching the forest floor. It was in that moment, I knew I could breath again. It was in that moment that I knew the storm was over.