I am thankful beyond measures for this beautiful hand drawing by Erin Simons, a botanical and Christian Illustrator from Davis, California. Erin and I grew up in the same church when we were younger, but lost touch for awhile when college began. I stayed within Southern California and went to college at Cal Poly Pomona, while Erin went to UC Davis in Northern California.
With distance apart and different lives, we lost our time to be able to hang out together. Thankfully because of her grandma, we were always connected in one way or another through stories. We have supported each other in our different creative passions over the years. When my sister passed away in March, I needed another way to heal and cope.
Erin shared one of her new creative projects on Instagram and it just so happened I ran into it on my feed. At first, I reached out to her to provide support to our local artist with their passion. She was making beautiful hand drawn cards with such vivid detail in her drawings that I just had to get one.
What first was a moment of support for my dear friend, became a project for us both in different ways. Erin was able to bring my imagination to life and created a portrait that was so defined, connected, and precious to me.
My sister is a very simple, caring, loving person, and is always content with what she had. There were all these little things about her that created a larger picture. I looked at all the little items that represented a piece of her interests, her passions, and her heart.
Her teddy bear Bailey was important to us both, for our teddy bears would always be with us. Her purple bag that she always loved using. She always kept gum, cough drops, make up, and tissues. She always had something I needed. Her crochet scarf and headbands that she loved to make and give to people. Her mugs that she would drink coffee out of all the time while she worshiped God in the morning and while we talked during the weekends or when I was off from work. Her phone where she would store her sermons, enjoy her games, and read books. Her pretty pearl bracelet and favorite ring that you will always find her wearing. All of these things represented my sister from head to toe, from her mind to her heart.
I want to share this piece of art with the world so you can also heal and be encouraged in some way. I am still broken, I am not going to hide in the dark about that. I still feel the pain of not having my sister around. The memories that bring happiness also bring sadness at the thought of not being able to make more.
However, through this current journey, we need to find ways to swim to the surface of our hardships. We need to begin to breathe and find a way to. Through art, God, our passions, anything, we can rise above. Don't be afraid to express yourself. Don't be afraid that you are right or wrong, because how you feel is your own way of coping, and your own story to tell.
Remind yourself to wake up to a brand new day and be thankful for life. Live and continue living for yourself and no one else. Have faith, find your purpose, live this one life fully, and live your best.
Huge thanks to Erin Simons for this amazing piece of art!!! Blessed beyond measures for the talent God has given you
Please support local artist Erin by visiting the sites below.
Erin Simons-- Davis, California Botanical and Christian Illustrator
Instagram: @simonsartie
Website: www.simonsartie.net
To be a part of this art of memory for Tiffany,please purchase a drawing, card, or mug by visiting: https://www.etsy.com/shop/artfulerin
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