By Kate Bradley 7 December 2014, 10:21 AM
Like a lot of kids today, I come from a sometimes-great-sometimes-dysfunctional family. When I was in college when my parents separated. It was extremely painful the day I got that call from my dad. I was driving with a friend and had to pull over. Thankfully they have reconciled since then and are back together. So my story has a happy ending.
I love my parents dearly and I don't blame them; marriage is hard for the best of us. They did the best they could and sacrificed to make sure I grew up in a two-parent household. If it weren't for their support and encouragement, I would not be an artist today. For these reasons and many more, I consider myself extremely blessed.
But, I won’t minimize the effect that experience had on my life. So profound an effect, that the work I do is directly related to it. I can also say that the Lord in his goodness has given me healing and redemption.
We need family like we need air. Children get their sense of self-worth, their values, morals, and sense of belonging from their families. A happy family is a joy to behold. When one breaks down, the damage is devastating and can take a lifetime to repair. Maybe that's why the Bible tells us that true religion is to care for the orphans and the widows. They are the ones who don’t have family.
It wasn't until recently that I realized how much of an impact my story has had on my art. Of all the things I could paint- landscapes, animals, fruit- it’s children I choose. Painted children are valued children. Through my art, I hope to help people develop deeper and more meaningful family relationships. I feel so honored that I get to celebrate the gift of family in my work.