Shed • 47x47

Acrylic on wood

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I have a love for the beauty of antlers. Each is unique. Every antler-bearing animal having its own design.

To find a shed antler is a gift. A treasure to stumble upon.

I think about the moment that an antler is shed, there must be a sense of relief and freedom. A weight removed. 

I can see a deer almost holding its head higher. With ease.

Much like me when I let go of the weight of burdens I carry. If I ever do let go, there is a sense of freedom. A lightness.

And even though I know the freedom that comes from the shedding, I often still choose to carry. 

It’s too familiar.

I often wish the weights I carry were shed by nature (like a deer), and not dependent on me - a choice that only I can make. 

But I pray for the desire and the ability to let go, and shed what I don’t need to carry, so I can better carry that which I do.