Cardinal Song

Cardinal - Acrylic on canvas, 8 x 10

In the late 90's my father was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Prior to his inevitable decline he was blessed with a period of heightened creativity and intense joy. Laughter and silliness came easily and he took great delight in sitting on the back porch echoing the sounds of the resident avian population. His best and favorite impression was that of the cardinal. The cardinal's song is a distinctive loud string of clear down-slurred whistles, which speed up and end in a slow trill. Sometimes it seemed that the bird itself was onto my father's impressions and, not to be outdone, would deliberately increase the speed and duration of its song. 

There are numerous religious, totem and new age interpretations associated with cardinal sightings. Most of them deal with the concepts of embracing our radiance and vitality, as well as that of renewal and hope. I associate the cardinal with my father and with the comfort of home and family. I created this painting for my holiday exhibition after spending the summer and fall in the Mediterranean. I found myself drawn toward cooler color palettes in celebration of winter and in being able to spend Christmas and New Years with those dearest to me.