I recently read the book The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk, and the message shot through my heart:
Neglect and abuse of children is a national tragedy.
Listening (while painting), I realized that my WHY for doing what I do and painting what I paint, deserves strengthening, as I go deeper into my craft (well over 20 years in now).
Because… the children ♥
In this world, it’s so easy to lose ourselves in distractions, screens, schedules, lists. Time and time again I have been told that my gentle motherhood paintings inspire calm and elicit bonding and cuddles with a child.
Reminders to slow down, to look into big eyes
on sweet little people who want to talk, ask, play.
What I see becoming normal is babies with screens, parents on phones while children stare into space or play alone on the swings… and our hearts should be breaking as connection slips.
Silent traipses through the grocery store; parent and child separately engaged and distracted. So many missed opportunities for bonding and growth.
The visual imagery in our lives (art & photography), can serve as a gentle reminder to pause and seek out interactions. How is my little(r) one feeling right now? Does he have something he wants me to hear? Does she just want to feel SEEN.
My boys are big (18 and 20) and they still desire to be seen, heard, and taken care of. Sometimes indulged a bit, even ♥ I think we all feel this, no matter our age. These boys have inspired me for 20 years to create my mother and child paintings with so much love.
How precious and necessary to celebrate the act of looking into a child’s face, listening, learning, holding, seeing, being, and being held.
For 20 years I have ached to capture
the mother and child bond,
the eye contact and touch between loved ones.
Van der Kolk’s words helped me realize that despite being frustrated by social media shenanigans, I NEED to keep painting.
And the paintings matter.
Imagine glancing at a painting that evokes a memory of joyful times, a reminder of why you embrace the hard work of parenting. Have you experienced when a simple visual brought feelings of compassion or touched your heart?
I received a beautiful story from a collector about her sweet child who wouldn’t accept cuddles; slowly desiring touch, hugs and connection after sleeping in his new bedroom that had KmB paintings on his walls (left hanging since the room was previously the sewing room)... How precious is that shift? It’s a beautiful testament to the impact that art can have on our lives and relationships.
Despite small business getting harder in this current world – because of the ways it has become less authentic – I need to keep following the urge to represent parents and their adoration for their families. Children being protected, guided, cherished.
This feels like my purpose in the world. We all have our purpose, and it may not be as big and fancy as we think or once hoped.
Perhaps it is small, it is human,
it is about connection.
It is about touch, care,
asking questions, showing compassion…
When your heart is calling you to act/create in an effort of kindness and love, follow it, in even some small way.
Because… the children ♥
(Just as I was writing, my mail carrier came to pick up packaged orders from my porch. I opened the door and took a moment to say hello and thank you and ask how she was doing with work in this cooler weather. I'm really trying to live my message. Janet left the porch with a big smile. How many mail carriers will be thanked on their route today?)
There will be a free bonus gift each month of 2025 using the QR code in your 2025 Calendar. Maybe it reminds you to set down your phone and pick up a child? Or pick up a book… or put your feet up?
Wishing you a beautiful day ♥
Love & Sincerely,
Katie
