Carlson Commission

Recently, the Carlson family commissioned a large scale (36" x 48") painting to document their recent trip to Ethiopia:

for Samuel / oil, wax, collage on board / 36" x 48"

close-up / for Samuel

The Carlson's traveled to Ethiopia this winter to adopt their son Samuel. Mary saved paper trails from the trip; a map of Ethiopia, family boarding passes, receipts and newspapers, etc. These became layers in the painting; the base layer was the map. A tree was sketched in to recall a place the family had worshipped while they were there. It was amazing to hear their story an honor to make them a "time capsule" to remember it.

Their son Samuel is enjoying life here with his family and transitioning well. The story is not complete without mentioning that Samuel's best friend in Ethiopia, Joseph, was adopted by my sister around the same time. The best friends now live just a few miles apart!

Needless to say, this was very special piece to create. Thank you Carlson's!

Levi show casing the piece.