Dear Nick

The artist as a custodian of the soul? I like that. The teacher as a custodian of knowledge, culture and children? I would like that too!

What kind of custodian am I supposed to be? If there are, and I believe there are, ideas worth upholding in society and between the generations, we would be well advised to remember them quick smart and to hold ourselves to a higher standard before we all succumb to the attention span of TikTok users.

I am making good progress with the next painting. People who stopped by asked whether I was painting a wedding, which is surprising, because your wife is wearing a yellow kimono and not a wedding gown. Nonetheless, I think there is an element of tender devotion and celebration in the painting that I was hoping to capture with a light touch.

If I were to subscribe to a beauty standard, it would be that of a life well-lived and the radiance that comes from love. So while I truly admire your wife’s beauty and her ability to transform with various gowns, poses and gazes, I hope to look more like Jane Goodall as I continue to age.

Is your wife’s beauty a blessing or a curse? It surely is a safe place to hide in at times, but it must be lonely and rather isolating too. I am glad I took the time to watch her episode on Fashion Neurosis. It gave me a much deeper appreciation of who Susie is, and please, if you are not too tired from reading this, send her my love and a warm hug.

I placed you in a bright room of peachy pinks and magentas. Susie, in a striking yet unadorned yellow kimono and silver high-heels, is bending over a flower arrangement which you both hold lightly. Her face is covered by her streaming black hair. The jointly held bright flowers connect with both your gazes and your tender care for one another and the world you have created together. A single petal dropped to the floor, signifying time and loss. You, in your suit, are again turning your back to the viewer, shouldering your wife’s classic pussy bow dress with its ribbons dangling behind you. There is a grace, a lightness of touch, and elegance that I hope shines through.

So maybe I should call it 'the wedding' after all? For if we truly care for one another, we repeat those vows each day in our prayers, our devotions, our dreams and in our deeds.

Love,

Cordula