Time has always played a significant role in our lives. From the time we are born to the time of our death, “Forget Them Not” is a tribute to the moments in our lives and to the events that shape who we are and how we all move forward. As a young girl, I saw this in my family and lifestyle. As time catches up, I am passionate about reflecting on my feelings of love, loss, and timestamps of life.
As a young teenager, I was absorbing my rich cultural heritage and its profound perspectives on life, the cornerstone of our existence. Though not artists in the traditional sense, my hardworking parents possessed an unparalleled ability to turn beauty out of the ordinary. Witnessing their creativity come to life was mesmerizing. From this moment, I inherited the dreamer’s spirit – a strong passion for dreaming and envisioning a different way of life for myself. Like them, I began to sow the seeds of my ambitions and nurture what held significance in my values.
My Italian upbringing stood out in apparent contrast to the norms around me, prompting reflection on the uniqueness of our cultural practices. My father and I once skinned rabbits in the confines of our garage, or should I say I assisted him, as that event left a permanent impression on me. For our large Italian family, rabbits were a staple in our culinary traditions. But on this day, witnessing rabbits preparing for life-altering festivities was a profound moment. It felt as though I watched the loss of cherished beings. My bunnies became symbols of beloved individuals, victims in a harsh world. In my imagination and visions, I grant them a place in a realm fused with love, where their passing is sacred, adored, and commemorated. They morphed into imaginary companions, returning to life through my paintings, infusing them with love and honour.
My painting, “Forget Them Not,” is a tribute to those who question time and to the diverse cultures and ways of life beyond our own. This pivotal experience continues to influence who I am today. Time, love, and memories have shaped my thought processes and redefined my very being. Remembering family and the multitude of cultures that comprise it, I find a profound richness that should be cherished and embraced where time heals time in an era of time.