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Dale and I have a pair of chartreuse green chairs that have had quite a history. I first purchased them to go in my bedroom in 2005. Since that time they have found their place in several homes that we've lived in.

When Dale and I were restoring a 100 year old house in Birmingham these chairs served as our place of refuge when everything around us was in upheaval. We moved them from room to room as we made space for the workmen but preserved a bit of sanity with our conversations in the evening while sitting in these chairs.

If you've ever been a part of a small group that met at our house, maybe you've enjoyed sitting in these chairs, too!

Over the years I've created several paintings with our cats Percy and Lily sleeping in these chairs. I've also studied them for line drawings in my journal.

Most recently I've felt compelled to paint them using the same wonky lines from my journal drawings, but adding bright colors and whimsical marks just for fun!

What these chairs have come to mean for me in my life, and in my art is a recognition of our need for conversations with each other. Not text messages, email, or a social media "comment", but to share stories and cookies, laughter, and memories, together. In chairs, on sofas, or park benches! Through it all, the chairs in my paintings represent a safe place to be in the middle of the chaos; whatever chaos life is bringing us. . . and sometimes those conversations are with God as we pause to be still.