It is not uncommon for me to experience, as a portrait painter,
a moment when paint becomes transformed into an alive presence, a consciousness
which somehow confronts the artist. There are two distinct sides of the angel's
face that are apparently unrelated by integrated--a light side that smiles,
and a dark side that has an expression of intense sadness and tragedy. In painting
this piece, I realized what an angel is--a soul who, having experienced tragedy
and sadness, continues to love. This angel continues to be a nourishing and
healing image for me and others.