Roberta started this piece just around Christmas 2020, the first Christmas after the passing of her mother. In the midst of a terrible loss, this artwork represents her search for healing, for safety and peace. Her level of detail and intricacy does not disappoint and her new found techniques and depth, perhaps speak of the depth of her feelings and that of the journey she unwillingly had to embark on. This piece is a dialogue with the strength that resides in us and a celebration to the gifts that can come from both life and loss. In her own words Roberta explains: “In the hole I found myself in, I was lost, crushed, searching for light, for motivation to go on, for hope to cling on. I have always associated butterflies with this uplifting feeling, their delicate presence is so soothing and heart-warming. And so, in this moment the urge to draw butterflies came along again, the urge to fly away, to be lifted up from the devastation I was in, physically and spiritually. I needed to heal myself and this piece in all its being, is healing.” She continues: “In one of my lowest moments in life, this work gave me reason to keep on keeping on, to live, to wanting to fight, for my mental and my physical well-being. This is the piece that brought me back: a piece full of strength and courage to pick up the pieces and put them back together; a piece full of gratitude for the gifts that I was given through life and loss. When I look at this work, I feel joy, peace and hope.

VIDEO OF THIS ARTWORK