Can You Explain it to a Seven Year Old?
Hello Friends,
As always, thank you for following along on this ever-evolving art journey. I’m grateful you continue to peek into the studio windows, wherever this creative path happens to wander.
Recently, I gifted a couple of paintings to my 7-year-old niece, Hayden. Hayden is the twinkle in my eye, the apple to my soul, the spice in my tea, and every other ridiculous little analogy I can think of. She is truly the loveliest little lady.
One of my greatest joys is watching her little mind unfold and hoping she discovers the beautiful, curious world that creativity can open up.
After her new paintings were hung in her bedroom (the magical little place where young minds quietly begin building the story of who they are), Hayden asked me a very important question:
“What are they supposed to be?”
I paused. I gathered all the wisdom of a childless aunt.
Naturally, I read her my updated artist statement.
“I paint to open a small window of stillness—a moment where color, shape, and imagination can meet. My work lives in abstraction, allowing forms to whisper rather than explain, creating space for each viewer to discover their own meaning…”
Hayden’s beautiful blank annoyed expression gave me the laugh I was hoping for.
I simplified.
“They’re colorful paintings you can imagine anything in. They’re just meant to make you happy.”
Her reply:
“I like purple, and they have purple in them, so I love them!”
The secret wisdom we all spend so much time trying to explain. Be authentic and love big.
Lately, I’ve been organizing the studio and taking inventory. In the process, I’ve uncovered some older small experiments that brought me joy along the way. These works are little breadcrumbs from my creative journey, each one helping me discover the larger paintings I create today.
I’ve gathered them together into a private collection for anyone who might have a childlike corner of their heart, a lonely bookshelf, a whimsical wall, or perhaps a special gift waiting for a beginning art collector.
These pieces are smaller, playful, and a little bit unexpected.
If one happens to speak to you, please reach out. And although this is a private link, please feel free to share it with someone who might enjoy bringing a little imagination into their home.
Wishing you a summer filled with sunshine, creativity, and a little bit of purple magic.
Most warmly,
Your grateful friend,
Mel
mel@melrea.com