Artist Statement about Family Reunion: I draw much of my strength from the knowledge of my ancestors who paved the way for me and made it possible for me to be here today. The two people in the haze on the hill represent all of the ancestors of long, long ago that you've never known yet are intrinsic to your every breath. Then I thought about the family members that I have recently lost, who helped shape and mold me to be the person I am today. So, the second tier of the painting is the traditional funeral march. What most people don't notice about this piece is the green shadow figures marching in the opposite direction of the funeral march. They are heading to the hill to join all the ancestors who are waiting to greet them. The third tier of the painting represents the entire cycle of life which is pretty much the same for all of us. In the center the couple represents family home and children. Spiraling out on all sides from the center couple are all the elements of life and living. Fellowship, spiritual life, education, vocation, military, play, happiness and sadness, which we all encounter in the cycle of life. The border represents fabrics of Africa. As the mother continent, these fabrics are interwoven throughout all of our lives. In the truest meaning, this painting represents all families, all over the world. It represents the cycle of life.