Rainbows are Messy

Nov 16

Here’s the story behind Farmcliff Studio’s latest collection of original watercolor paintings:

Rainbows can, sometimes, be a light-hearted whimsical expression of child-like joy. Yet, as an adult, I have learned rainbows can also be a symbol with more complexity, nuance, depth. Rainbows symbolize many things. As an adult, I know this seemingly simple symbol is joy and hope, yes, but often the joy comes after one has experienced the deepest sorrows, darkest fears, gut wrenching pain.

It’s a thought that’s been on my heart for years.

I needed to explore what this symbol means to me, and then express it. And every expression has come out messy.

It’s untidy, unkempt, unruly, unpredictable.

I wanted to display this symbol in my home, but the neat, bright, version felt empty and lacking. I needed to be able to see the joy and pain, the despair and hope, the downfall and recovery all at the same time.

And so, this collection of beautifully messy rainbows was born.

Creating these was (and is) pure therapy for me. Allowing colors to blend together and move on their own is meditative. This collection is the perfect expression of all the things that led me to this place in my own journey. I don’t feel like unpacking the entire journey right now, but know they are deeply meaningful to me. I hope that these little rainbows are meaningful for you, too. And if not specifically meaningful, then at least I hope they provide a little peace in knowing that