With Eyes Turned Skyward
With Eyes Turned Skyward, 2016, acrylic, oil, and hand embroidery on canvas, 140 x 133”
Dedicated to the children of Rising Stars Academy and beyond
Collection of Rising Stars Academy, San Jose, CA
When considering the Rising Stars Academy campus, I meditate upon the nourishment, growth, and blossoming our precious youth as they begin taking flight. Sheltered under the walnut and redwood trees that shelter the campus, a small group of children gather in wonder of the world around them. The northern California native goldfinch perches upon the cord from which leaves dangle from above, an auspicious East Indian tradition which brings blessings of prosperity and abundance. The California aster (aster, the Greek word for “star”), finds its place comfortably behind the ear of a child, its petals open to hear and to learn.
A quote by Leonardo da Vinci hovers quietly over them:
“Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.”