"She holds a flower, the stem of which is dead and will no longer grow. The flower itself, the most beautiful part of the plant, lives on in full bloom."
Athens State University
This piece was intended only to be painted in my hometown of Decatur, Alabama. I left in 2001 to pursue an education in the arts. I recently learned that Decatur was pushing hard to expand its own art education, and I reached out to see if there was any way, as a muralist, I could join the effort.
Growing up in the conservative South as a creative individual, I faced a fair amount of adversity and doubt, from art staff and peers alike. I hope this work will be seen by the creative youth of Decatur and inspire them to take their passion and talents seriously, despite any pressure to consider other, more secure paths. I want them to experience this large work and know that they can follow the creative path and still contribute to society in a meaningful way.
The figure represented is my sister Lara Lee Whitehead, also born and raised in Decatur. She passed away in an accident in 2006, leaving behind our parents, her husband, and her two daughters. Rather than presenting the work as a memorial, it is intended to be a timeless celebration of the beautiful, gentle, and ephemeral elements of life.
In her hands, she holds a flower whose stem is dead and will no longer grow. The flower itself, the most beautiful part of the plant, lives on in full bloom.
