Linda Pullinsi    capturing emotion with paint 

Stages

This painting symbolizes the stages of life and is a tribute to my mom. As you can see, when the iris fades and dies it turns into an angel.

Iris have always been my favorite flower and I've really gotten to know them intimately. Not just the birth and growth, but even the death because without death, there can be no new growth. Nature teaches us much about peace and how the cycles of life form a beautiful, harmonious whole.

My mom, gone since February 2003, now talks to me through my iris. She was a poor farmer, the eldest of 13, and she could grow and cook everything. She grew the most incredible iris. No matter how desperate her situation she always smiled and cared for others.

Always close, we made a pact to stay connected. Actually, she's closer than ever. She reminds me to keep smiling and stay positive. I feel her urge me to slow down & enjoy life.

The Iris, delicate yet strong, bold yet fragile, like mom, like me.

Her neglected childhood has inspired me to always do what I can to help children feel cherished and loved. My volunteer work for Free Arts of Arizona for the past 12 years is my most important work and my current mentor group are teen moms. I'm very proud of these girls and it's an honor for me to work with them. If you are interested in getting involved, please go to www.freeartsaz.org.

Thanks for your interest.