Infinite Love
White on white, in infinite light
Kindred spirits, hearts as one
Horse and Swan offering the gift of flight
Teaching us how to become.
~ Kim McElroy
THE STORY BEHIND THE ART
Each horse and their person has a story, and in the case of this recent portrait of two horses... several stories entwined.
Chance and Ali came into Leta’s life over twenty years ago at the same time from different circumstances. Ali was a rescue who’s previous owner had died. She was so sensitive she was very fearful. She taught Leta a lot about how emotional issues can manifest as physical health challenges. When Ali crossed she was a healthy 40 years old horse that passed away of old age.
Chance grieved, and though he continued to overcome daunting health challenges, he has chosen to stay with Leta to help support her healing work with horses.
I had the inspiration to include swans in this portrait of these two stunningly white Arabians. Swans often mate for life, so their presence depicts the bond between Chance and Ali, and their bond with Leta.
During the creation of the portrait, I began to draw the water surrounding the two swans. I was so focused on getting the ripples and light just right, that it was only when I drew the last few strokes that I realized they met in the middle, forming an infinity symbol. It is fitting that the infinity symbol appeared of its own accord, depicting bonds that last a lifetime and beyond.
Symbolically the swan can be a guide to how to see the inner beauty within oneself. It represents self-acceptance, self-love, and awakening to the true beauty and power of oneself. They help us to see ourselves in a new light, the way the Divine sees us. When we achieve self-acceptance, the ripple effects are immeasurable.