Trinity Episcopal Cemetery, Edisto
14×11″
Acrylic on masonite
©2015 Lucinda Howe
$425

November is a month of remembrance and thanksgiving, of grieving and celebrating. With All Saints Day, Election Day, Veterans Day, and Thanksgiving passing in quick succession, we’re on an emotional roller coaster. When this happens to me, I retreat into contemplation, make some art, and then try to put my feelings into words.

For this week’s newsletter, I selected this painting of Trinity Episcopal Church Cemetery in Edisto, SC to symbolize my mixed emotions. I find cemeteries peaceful places, but I recognize that those who passed before us experienced both joy and sorrow in their lives. What was extremely important in their lives is scarcely remembered today. In this old cemetery, I am struck by the towering oaks dwarfing the geometric forms of the tombstones. The contrast helps me find perspective on the place of humans in the world.

Remembering that “this too shall pass”, I’ve decided to focus on giving thanks…

• Thanks for those who came before us building communities, churches, and a free society.
• Thanks for the beauty of the South Carolina landscape where we still have ancient trees that have outlasted many human lifetimes.
• Thanks for art to express that for which I have no words.

This painting is included in my Abiding Trees Exhibition at Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community through November 29. If you happen to be out shopping on Black Friday, I invite you to take a short break for contemplation and gratitude by walking through the exhibit.  More information is available at http://lucindahowe.com/abiding-trees/