The Raft

“The Raft”

Oil on unprimed paper. 9 x 12 in.

2023.

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My brother and I were inseparable. I remember when we would venture out into the wild with a certain urge to test fate in places where crawling creatures and unstable terrain would leave their marks on our youthful bodies if we weren’t vigilant enough.

“Be careful.” He would say. We were 10. He’s always been the wiser one.

I’ve always been the odd one out. But had always the good fortune of being welcomed by most. I feel like a good chunk of that fortune was his presence, always rebellious and charming at the same time still with hints of that quiet & silent demeanor that all the men in my family seem to have.

It was like a vortex, everyone liked him and therefore everyone liked me. They didn’t like me just because of him, but he was the gateway to getting acquainted with me. And I’ve always been grateful.

Adulthood found itself into our life and certain questions had to be answered & life had to be lived. So, we parted ways. Somehow distant yet much, much closer.

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This painting talks about that relationship, a relationship that I’m bound to for the rest of my life and one that shapes me every day. As we navigate through life & every now and then feel the need to jump in for a dip, we both know we have this raft that we can jump back into, from a simple text or call to boarding a flight. I’m so grateful I’ve had you by my side.

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January 12th, 2024 – 4:04PM.