Thinking of friends, I am reminded of my first floral paintings. They came at time when my oldest friend was losing her mother, and from a desire to create new abstract marks that moved outward in all directions. These movements resembled blossoming flowers and wind-swept petals. Behind these motifs made from memory and invention, became subconscious meanings relating to ritual and rites of passage. As friends, we share our joy and pain. Friends are guiding lights during overwhelming darkness and grief, full with hopes of laughter and spoken and silent empathies. kellijnelson.com Mourning Garland oil on canvas 24” x 20” 2018