"Tender is My Heart" The Story

"Tender is My Heart" There are moments when we learn to protect ourselves layer by layer.

As I painted this piece, I realized I was the Artichoke.  Guarded on the outside, revealing only what feels safe.  Not everyone takes the time to look deeper.   But those who do...discover something unexpected.

A tenderness.   A quiet, open heart.

The Artichoke became a symbol of that truth-that beneath what we protect, there is always something soft, something real, something worth knowing.

Surrounded by life and colour, this piece speaks to the balance we carry-between protecting ourselves...and allowing ourselves to be seen.

A reminder that what is most tender...is often what is most strong.

For those who know that the most guarded hearts often hold the deepest love.