A.T. Home in the Poppy Fields

‘Home,’ a place or feeling of safety, belonging, comfort and identity.

For me, “Poppy Fields A.T. Royal Arches” feels like coming home, my extended home. I’m lucky to feel a connection to many places but California is special and is also my maternal grandparents’ true home and the place we visited them as a kid and still visit today with my kids. Not only does this painting evoke some of my own fond memories but the elements of this painting connect to my family beyond my lifetime.

The purple arches were inspired by my great grandfather’s home in which my mother lived with her parents when she was young. There are many fond memories from this time, and the house is somehow always at the center. Although, her time in this house was brief I think she would classify it as one of her homes.

My grandparents eventually settled in the central coast of California, and this is where my memories of California and my mom’s family originated. The landscape of the central coast is vastly different from the mountains of Montana where I grew up; the ocean, rolling hills, and year-round foliage always felt magical. I remember driving through the hills to get to my grandparents’ and again when we’d go to the beach, they are still gorgeous, but I think the nostalgia is more powerful.

As for the California Poppies in the foreground, who doesn’t love a shock of orange? Yes, part of using the poppies in the foreground was for added color but I also love California Poppies, they are simple yet have a bold color and thrive in many climates. Their gentle strength and tenacity is admirable. My mom’s sister is also affectionately known as Poppy, bringing all the elements of the painting back home.