Sunday, March 14, 2010

A Very Special Commission

My latest commission holds a very special place in my heart, but is not one I could post here on my blog. It is the second time I have done a portrait of a little still-born infant, and these commissions are probably the most rewarding ones I do. I feel such a sense of responsibility to the parents when doing these commissions and try to put all the love and care I can into them. As a parent I feel their could be no greater pain, than to lose a little child, and so I hope these commissions can go somewhere towards easing their grief and creating a memory that will last a lifetime for them. Love and prayers to any parent who has ever lost a child xx

8 comments:

Autumn Leaves said...

Your words just brought so many emotions for me, Karen. A friend of mine's son and his wife lost their first child - stillborn. I remember sitting on my friend Pat's couch and her sharing a very special photo album (scrapbooking) with me. In those photos were her son and daughter-in-law's little girl. The hospital had taken pictures for them. I don't think anything was more heartbreaking. I've also miscarried and know a bit of the feelings of loss and longing that this couple will always feel. You are a very special lady to take on this type of commission as I suspect it hurts your heart as it would mine. Thank you for doing such a wonderful thing for this family.

Unknown said...

speechless with tears...I know you will do a wonderful portrait to be treasured by the parents.

A very special portrait and so personal.

Unknown said...

Thank you so much Sherry and Dors. Sherry, I'm so sorry to hear you had a miscarriage. When you do hear that people have lost a child or suffered a miscarriage, it makes you appreciate your kids all the more, and you hug them just a little tighter.
In the case of both these commissions, the parents approached me quite hesitantly, unsure as to whether viewing the pictures of their babies would distress me, but 25 years of nursing makes that a bit easier, and all I can think about is creating something special for the parents.

Autumn Leaves said...

You are amazing, Karen. I am glad both couples found you.

Unknown said...

You are a very special person Karen.

Unknown said...

You are both so lovely - thank you!!! xx

Mona Diane Conner said...

It's a very wonderful thing to do for the parents Karen, and your portraits are always handled with sensitivity and care overall.

I'm thinking too about how in the history of miniature painting there has been an important tradition of mourning miniatures. There is an interesting book called "Love & Loss ~ American Portrait and Mourning Miniatures" by Robin Jaffee Frank.

Unknown said...

Mona - thank you so much for your lovely encouraging words. I haven't heard of that book, but it sounds fascinating. It is really hard to get your hands on any books about Miniature Artwork at all here in Aus, but I'm sure I could pick it up from Amazon.