I just completed a piece that was four years in the making. Even though it's small, it feels bigger than its size. In significance, it is.

Our dear friend Priscilla organized a 50th birthday trip for a group of her friends. The destination was Belize. Bob and I were also on her 40th birthday trip to Hawaii, back in 2007. At the time I collected some rocks and shells from the beach and incorporated them into a mosaic I gave her. When we were in Belize, I decided I'd do the same to commemorate her 50th birthday.

Early one morning while at the vacation house in San Pedro island, I collected some rocks and shells and laid out an impromptu mosaic. I liked the design, so I took a photo, then put all the elements in a bag, along with some beach sand. During the trip I collected some other things, thinking perhaps they could be added to Priscilla's commemorative mosaic.

*The original impromptu mosaic in Belize*

Back home, life moved on. Priscilla and Dave embarked on a "world nomad" adventure in 2018. They sold most everything they owned, put the rest in storage, and commenced travel around the world. I put the commemorative piece on the back burner (far back!) since they had no permanent home to put new artwork.

Then, the pandemic happened. They had to end their world adventuring and return to the states. This forced them to re-establish a home base somewhere, and now they have a new home in northern Washington state. It was time for me to return to the idea of making this Belize piece!

Creativity is a funny thing. Inspiration can strike, but mostly it's just work. Doing something — anything— every day. Whether it's actual tangible work or musing in one's head. All these pieces and thoughts eventually result in something worth completing.

I pulled out the Belize treasures and the inspiration photo. The elements sat on my work surface for months. I moved them around, added and subtracted elements. All the time thinking of my dear friend, and how we've only been able to see her about three times in three years. First because they were on their world travels, second because the pandemic kept us all isolated.

I had ideas that I'd incorporate a lot of the trinkets with the shells and rocks, but I kept coming back to that impromptu mosaic. In the end, I decided that simple was best! The only addition to that original composition is a black jade medallion inscribed with Priscilla's Mayan birth month symbol.

To finish the piece, I thought it needed a frame element. To contrast with the calm sandy beach palette, I remembered the bright textiles of Belize and Guatemala. In smalti, I imitated a woven piece of fabric. I've taken up various needle crafts recently, so I wanted to add a touch of my newest passion. The title and signature are stitched on burlap, for the back.

Here is Recuerdos de Belize 2017. A seemingly small work but carrying deep connections. I look forward to when we are able to go up to visit Priscilla and Dave in their new home, and see this piece that is full of friendship and connection.

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Remembrance and Connection