I recently painted a wedding Ketubah (Jewish marriage contract) for a special couple. They wanted to honor tradition with a modern twist. They had a vision of their wedding vows in the middle of a piece of artwork and a place for all the guests to be witnesses.
I started with a circle, an imperfect center. The circle of marriage changes throughout our lives, expanding and contracting in a perfect way. At times the circle seems like it can break, but the tiniest connection allows for growth never breaking the circle.
As I painted, I imagined love radiating out from the couple as streaks of color representing their shared vision and commitment to braving the world together. The streaks look like rays from the sun fan out from the circle adding their unique love to the world. I mixed the colors from a powder to create a shimmer and texture on top of the rays to add the light pattern you see upon a closer look. Meaningful relationships change our fabric and imprint on our soul that may not be visible the first look.
Life is complex, layered with joys and pain, dreams and unexpected twists that lead us in new directions. Yes, there is life, creation, bonding, and hope underneath. Marriage is a commitment to hope, growth, and change united with another. With love, all things are possible. It is the light that guides our way.
Mozel Tov L'Chaim!