Love You More
Some of my earliest memories are of my Grandma Kay working on her different embroidery and cross-stitch projects near me while I drew pictures. I was not aware, in these memories, of my Grandma’s dementia or why as I got older she seemed to be less and less capable of making art. I think I was just barely beginning to grasp what her dementia meant when I was in 2nd grade, the year that she died. Her death was the first death to impact me, but I believe that her life had a much greater impact than I could imagine.
I wanted to create art that could connect with her, even though she is dead. To do this, I have taken my favorite piece of art that she created and made it a focal point in my own art. Even though she is dead I am still able to connect with her through the work she left behind. I wanted to create a scene of suspended hummingbirds, frozen in their quest for nectar. Hummingbirds have been a common symbol throughout my work, representing a lot of my search for inspiration and my hope to be seen for who I am. Who I am is made up of my connections with others, and in this piece I wanted to focus on my connection with my Grandma.
My Grandma Kay’s grave has the words “She loved you more” written across it. She was the kind of person who loved people in a way that was undeniable. She created a legacy of love and kindness. My quest to do the same has led me here.
Nina Baron
Love You More. Lesley University Senior Capstone. Felt. Mixed Media.
