Original Acrylic on Canvas || "Gather"

Enjoy slow moments with these fossils and stones, handpick with curiosity and affection, gathered around a pair of praying hands that are sincere and soulful.

The title “Gather” came to me like a gift. It fits.

One can

gather oneself;

gather together;

gather up strength and courage;

gather momentum;

gather fossils and stones;

gather knowledge and wisdom;

gather in the harvest;

gather one’s breath.

Planets gather.

People gather.

Animals gather.

Dust gather.

I hope this piece can represent “gathering” in its many existences. I hope it resonates with you.

More about the art and how it came to be

After a creative hiatus, I gathered myself and signed up to a shared studio, run and mentored by a young artist. I started by engaging in lively conversations with the artist, revisiting my sketchbooks, dabbling in new and old media - oil pastels, watercolors, pencils. I had already realized that I wanted to create art that was more evolved and grounded, so I decided to explore a new medium - acrylics on canvas.

Acrylics took me by surprise. It was a much slower medium for me compared to watercolors. Slower meant that I had plentiful time to channel my thought and care into every aspect - composition, color palette, style and so on. Progress was gradual, yet rewarding.

Crystal grids by Colleen of Great Lakes Oracle was a wonderful guide in composing the piece. Thanks to the grid, the fossils and stones were able to coexist in harmony and be in community. Beloved Petoskey Stones and all the featured stones have been gathered from the Great Lakes, many of them were generous gifts from Kelsey of Local Candle Co.

The praying hand in the center is a sculptural candle created by a Korean artist and sculptor, Hyun Wuk Jin @blubundal. Praying is a ubiquitous and universal act, which could be religious or not at all. It can be a quiet inner conversation, an outcry about situations that are out of one’s hands, or anywhere in between and even beyond. It can be the space we hold to be still or a spell that opens up our inner world. I wanted the hands to convey a sincere heart and a soulful space.

I love how the art came together and that it represents many kindred hearts that were involved in its making. More of a reason why the title - “Gather” - is fitting.

Art by yours truly, Grace You. 

Original Medium: Acrylic on Canvas

Size: 50 cm x 60 cm (19.7"x 23.6")

Art completed: 2025