Tread Ye Lightly
Ink and Watercolor on paper
63 x 14 x 1 inches

Tread Ye Lightly is one of a series of botanical timelines that I worked on as I was navigating a succession of changes in my life. I’ve been researching the hidden meanings of plants throughout history, and chose thistle for because it represents Strength, determination, bravery, and devotion. This resonated with me on multiple levels as I am the caregiver for both of my parents who are 92, and 98, and who I’ve just had to move into memory care and a nursing home, making tough decisions about getting them the best care while treating them with dignity and respect. On an even more personal level, I liked the thistles connection to Scotland, where my aunt lived in the Orkney Islands.
Even though my mother is living with dementia, she still plays “Farewell to Stromness” (which played at my aunt's funeral) on the piano everyday as a way to stay connected to the memory of her sister who died of Alzheimer's. When I negotiated the move to memory care for my mother, I made sure she was allowed to have her piano.

The title was from a song by Clark Terry and the album that my dad always played and danced around to,

2023