20” x 20” | acrylic on linen
“Held Ground” began in 2025 as a full moon in the blue/black night sky; a circle surrounded by a circle reflecting in a pool of water. Opposite the night sky, the water’s blue was lighter, moving, and deep. As the canvas evolved, so did my frustration, and the canvas was moved to the side for days, weeks, and months. Holding space but not moving forward – until the inspiration and vision was shelved, and many coats of gesso were applied to the tired linen, creating a blank square that still held the foundational circle.
As I began reading Brene Brown’s recent book, “Solid Ground” I felt the words I was reading, seeing them not only as she was describing, understanding the principles within life and actions, but also in colors – holding a solid stance and ground. Blending theory with understanding bringing to life the colors that represented these new old ideas, rooted in each of us – as people and especially as leaders.
Finding the quote from the beginning, the groundwork laid, reflects the process of ourselves and of this painting, the layers that exist, but are often forgotten or covered, but serve us as ground that we stand on to propel us while staying centered.
“Individually and collectively, we are all looking for strong ground right now... We need the ground to steady us and at the same time to propel us into purposeful action.”
“Strong Ground”
Brene Brown
20” x 20” | acrylic on linen
“Held Ground” began in 2025 as a full moon in the blue/black night sky; a circle surrounded by a circle reflecting in a pool of water. Opposite the night sky, the water’s blue was lighter, moving, and deep. As the canvas evolved, so did my frustration, and the canvas was moved to the side for days, weeks, and months. Holding space but not moving forward – until the inspiration and vision was shelved, and many coats of gesso were applied to the tired linen, creating a blank square that still held the foundational circle.
As I began reading Brene Brown’s recent book, “Solid Ground” I felt the words I was reading, seeing them not only as she was describing, understanding the principles within life and actions, but also in colors – holding a solid stance and ground. Blending theory with understanding bringing to life the colors that represented these new old ideas, rooted in each of us – as people and especially as leaders.
Finding the quote from the beginning, the groundwork laid, reflects the process of ourselves and of this painting, the layers that exist, but are often forgotten or covered, but serve us as ground that we stand on to propel us while staying centered.
“Individually and collectively, we are all looking for strong ground right now... We need the ground to steady us and at the same time to propel us into purposeful action.”
“Strong Ground”
Brene Brown
