Wings

So, remember when I mentioned in an earlier post the St. James Court Art Show? It's.to.die.for. I save $ all year long to be able to buy some Christmas gifts and some treats for myself as well. This year has been very trying. Healthwise and financially. Not to go into the long sad sordid details, but in a nutshell, my job of 17 years ended recently when my place of business ceased to exist. I'm still unemployed and trying not to panic! Anyway, this art show is one of the best in the country and takes place the first weekend in October in "Old Louisville" which is near downtown and claims to be the largest Victorian neighborhood in the country. My "girls" - my mom and 23 yr. old daughter - have had a tradition of attending together for years. We pray for good weather and this year we got it! I only allowed myself two purchases this year, but I'm sooooo pleased with what I found.
The photographer exhibiting this work, only had images of cemetary statuary - all black and white - and it literally stopped me in my tracks. I was overwhelmed. They were all so stunning - so serene - so beautiful - so peaceful. After what must have seemed like an eternity to this patient artist/vendor, I finally settled on this one called "Wings". The story he passed onto me was that he took the photo in a cemetary located on the Austrian border and that according to local legend, the 24 year old bride grieved herself to death after the loss of her husband 100+ years ago. Oh so romantically tragic yet I gather inspiration from it as well as a sense of calm. I'm probably one weird chick.
Needing a frame that did her justice (I wanted something old/ornate) I dug out one that I scored for a mere $5.00 at an estate sale - painted it matte black and highlighted some detail with silver. She didn't fit perfectly - my hands literally shook as I carefully trimmed the sides about an inch. But, voila - done. I love the way it turned out - and how she looks in our livingroom.
A side note - I thought hubby would be completely creeped out but was totally onboard with this one. Though not as overcome with emotion as I, he did remark "cool". I think living with me all these years is starting to rub off on him!