by Mary-Jo Lough, PBPCA Member and Artist
The butterfly is one of nature’s most beautiful creatures. Its colorful wings and delicate movements have inspired poets, musicians, and artists for centuries. But for some, the butterfly holds a deeper meaning, a symbol of hope and transformation.
I spent the summer of 2019 in Ontario with my mother after she was diagnosed with terminal cancer. In my free time, I found solace in painting. As an artist, I have always been drawn to the beauty of nature. My mother loved her gardens and our house was surrounded by beautiful blooms. During this difficult period, I wanted to create something full of life and I was drawn to the flowers.
One of the pieces I created shortly before she passed away featured a butterfly landing on a flower. The butterfly is a symbol of transformation and rebirth, often associated with the idea of the soul transcending the physical world. It represents the metamorphosis that occurs when we let go of the past and embrace the future. And so, my painting of the butterfly was not just a tribute to my mother but a tribute to the power of hope and renewal.
After she passed, something extraordinary started happening. Everywhere I went, butterflies seemed to follow me. They would flutter around me and even land on my shoulder to accompany me during long walks. I took it as a sign of comfort and reassurance, a reminder that my mother was still with me in spirit.
Recently, at a market, I told someone the story behind my butterfly piece, “Take Flight.” She explained that her friend had been seeing butterflies everywhere since her mother’s passing and she felt a deep connection to them. I have learned that it’s not uncommon for people to have spiritual experiences or see signs and symbols after the passing of a loved one. With her friend’s birthday quickly approaching, she purchased the print as a gift for her. I was elated and humbled to know that she was moved to tears when she received it.
The fact that my work resonated with someone who had experienced the same phenomenon was incredibly touching and validating. For her, my painting is a tangible representation of her connection with her mother, and a reminder that even in the darkest of moments, there is always the possibility for renewal and optimism. This experience has reminded me of how powerful art is. Art has the power to challenge our assumptions and beliefs, broaden our perspectives, and inspire us to think and feel differently. It is a means of self-expression, allowing us to communicate our innermost thoughts and feelings to others. Whether we create or appreciate art, it has the capacity to move us, connect us, and enrich our lives in ways that are profound and meaningful.
