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Illuminating the Magic of Love
My world transformed at the ripe old age of seven. Stepping off the plane into the thick, humid embrace of Africa, I was transported to my new home, a land bursting with vibrant life. The sun beat down like a relentless drum, and the air thrummed with the energy of buzzing cicadas and friendly greetings in a language I was just beginning to understand. Witnessing the raw power of nature on safari, lions roaring their territorial claims, gazelles leaping in balletic grace, ignited a spark within me.
But it wasn't just the untamed wilderness that captivated me. Curled up with well-worn copies of Ruth Manning-Sanders' fairy tales, illustrated by the masterful Robin Jacques, I was whisked away to fantastical realms brimming with magic and wonder.
When I first saw Edward Hicks' 'The Peaceable Kingdom,' where harmony reigns between predator and prey, my imagination thrived on the concept of loving inter-species relationships. This fascination would become the cornerstone of my artistic journey, where fantastical creatures and boundless love intertwine on my canvases, a testament to the belief that love is the most powerful magic of all.