Behind the Paintings: Lollipop Skies

Behind the Paintings

It feels so timely to share the story of the next painting in the Can I Hear Me Now? Series with you today. I created this piece about my Brother, who today I get to see in person for the first time in 1.5 years.

This painting, “Lollipop Skies” was a true joy to create. The subsequent conversation it helped stimulate between my Brother and me is one I’ll cherish forever. I hope you’ll enjoy our story.

LOLLIPOP SKIES
36x36, Acrylic on Canvas

I closed my eyes and drew for you. I drew the paths our leaps would take on the trampoline we saved our allowance to get. I drew the way our conversations about art sound and feel. I drew the curves and waves of your path upon my heart.



	My son and I picked up one of our art books one afternoon and learned about Joan Miro and his “automatic drawings” where the hand is allowed to move randomly across the paper. The book tasked us with making our very own, seen here - with our eyes closed. I was so inspired to try the exercise again, but on large canvas - what would eventually become “Lollipop Skies”.

Curving, meandering, free. How you move with the eyes of your soul. The path often unplanned, but the compass in tune. Your present motion, present emotion begetting a depth of discovery.



	The squiggly results after drawing, with eyes closed, several special memories and feelings experienced with my Brother. As someone who thrives on control, this exercise pushed me to let go and allow what my hand and heart wanted to express. I later added the two squares to symbolize my Brother’s sons - our suns.

Your suns, the squares, loosely holding you while you explore and feel. Their arms cradling you while your heart stretches out.

Seeking, learning, feeling, observing. It all. It all kindling to burn layers past, the dark that will not last, to shed what no longer is you, to color in only the true.



	Next, the fun task of choosing how to color in all the unique shapes. My son and I had just been playing with his wooden blocks inspiring the three tonal variations I would use.

You move towards lighter and clearer skies. Towards essence, towards an internal source of power, that you later reflect out. The beacon on a mountain, the calm in a storm, the hope in the abyss.



	If I were to pick one color that evokes my Brother, it would be the deep purple seen on the outer layer here - royal but playful, vibrant yet soulful. I love that it stands out - as if it almost doesn’t fit with the other colors, yet the entire piece would be lacking, less complete, without it.

In your mirror, I peer, and see what’s clear. Our truths reflected, life’s pains deflected, my soul affected. Judgement erased, curiosity in its place.



	While the mirror reflects the pursuit of light and truth, it also symbolizes how growing up my Brother was the only person I could see myself in - the only person that looked like me. As first generation Americans - children of an Iranian father and Croation mother - it was uncommon to find children like ourselves in west Texas.

Lollipop, you call me, like the way you make me feel. Childlike and playful, nostalgic and sweet. Supported, but with the swirl of color and creativity.



	Aaron (10) and Mione (3) Sadeghzadeh, in Odessa, TX

When I look in the eyes of our Batman’s skies, I see more than the blue. Floating and flying while rooted and thriving. Creating while being created.

Our Lollipop Skies.



	Selecting a frame to gently support, encompass but not overpower, and add shine - like he does for me.

LOLLIPOP SKIES
36x36, Acrylic on Canvas
[available at mioneplant.com]

See more from the new series, “Can I Hear Me Now?”