The Quartet - WISH3 - Leave No Stone Unturned

Description

Media Type

Image

Item Type

Photographs

Description

When the Quartet met, our ideas for painting our stones included rural landscapes, agriculture, trees, our feathered friends, and apiculture. It was obvious that we were all reveling in and thinking about the joys of nature.
Our stones have a story of their own! Some of the field stones were freshly picked from cultivated fields, making way for a problem-free harvest. Other stones were collected from oceans and streams. As our hands and paint brushes touched their smooth surfaces, one can’t help but wonder what took the edges and rough textures off of these rocks. Deposited eons ago and formed under pressure, our canvases were worked smoothly from the rhythms of the land and water.
Michelle chose to paint and hide a Welcome Stone in her daughter, Lisa’s, garden. What could be more welcoming than a painting of a home nestled in the hills and verdant greens of a June day? Lisa and her husband Greg are preparing their home for the birth of their first baby, due in August. They will be welcoming their many family members and friends as they near this pivotal moment and for years to come.
Bonnie painted a beautiful cardinal perched on a branch on a snowy day. A welcome visitor with its vibrant coat and melodious voice, the cardinal is symbolic of a friend’s visit. Bonnie chose to surprise a cousin who herself, does so many positive things for friends and her community. Bonnie thought that it would be lovely for her cousin to be on the receiving end for a change. It is now welcoming others on her cousin’s porch surrounded by potted ferns.
Gladys painted a beautiful pastoral scene with Monet-like clouds and plush green pastures. If you close your eyes, you can hear the wind rustling through the grass and tree leaves. She later added a mailbox and dots of colour representing the beautiful flowers Gladys grows. She placed it on a window sill for one of her 4 grandchildren to find (they will spot their 911 address on the little mailbox). She added the message “be kind” to her scene.
Barbara painted a forest scene that reminded her of her parent’s farm windbreak. Planted over 100 years ago by her grandfather, it has protected the farm buildings and lanes from harsh winter winds while providing cover for birds and small mammals. She hid her stone for her husband to find. He has an ongoing desire to add more trees to fence lines and gardens. They often sit outside enjoying the shade and habitat that the large trees around their farmhouse provide. Again, planted by someone years and years ago-investing for future generations. Barbara also painted a little river rock with a stylized Bee and the word “Kind”. She set it on the kitchen window ledge for her daughter to find. Kate has a fascination with apiculture and is busy adding plants to the garden that will feed local bees. And it’s a reminder to all who stand at the kitchen sink that in a world where you can choose to be anything, choose to be kind.

“A rock pile ceases to be a rock pile the moment a person contemplates it and sees within the image of a cathedral” Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Team Members: Michelle Rich, Gladys Fieldhouse, Bonnie West, Barbara Kell-Rose

Notes

Submission part of the WISH challenge for WI's 125th anniversary.

Date of Publication

Jun 2022

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