The Guardian Angel
2007, Acrylic on canvas, 48"x60"
As I worked on this I would play the song "We're Missing You" from recording artist Kris Kelli whom was a dear friend of my brother who departed this earth in 2001. The song was written and recorded by her as a tribute to his memory. Initially I had planned to paint a blue Krishna/ Shiva figure with a woman in a red saree but when I got into the zone that place where space and time stand still, the blue figure regressed into the background, the woman in the red saree ended up having a corset top and protective metal cage like skirt over her clothes. In the painting the metal dress is like an armour to face the rough times, the winged figure in the background represents those we have lost who are still with us and whom can inspire and give us the push we need. I believe we are all energy and at death that energy doesn't die it continues on. The ground dove that has chosen to fly in through the female figures protective metal over skirt and land on her soft garment is a symbol of the messenger able to dwell in the two worlds heavens and earth, visiting at will. I was not planning to give this piece a title but a friend encouraged me so I blurted out "The Guardian Angel". Kris Kelli did ask how I came up with the title she was curious because the song was recorded on the Guardian Angel riddim (rhythm) which is not noted anywhere on the CD. That coincedence I believe is a message from him. Happy Birthday Jeffrey Stephenson we love you now and forever and always until we meet again and again our love will never end.