The body continues to grow, age, dwindle with each passing gust of wind; this breeze guiding the body through experience and life. Once young and fruitful, the butterfly begins its journey as an infant; full of color and beauty, the artist pictures the beginning of life as wondrous and exciting through eye- catching colors and peaceful, flowing movements of the brush starting at the bottom of the painting. As the butterfly ascends the tree, the artist represents the advancement of life into the afterlife; the gaining of age, wisdom, and bodily growth.
Flying towards the top of the tree, the creatures go their separate ways, one flying towards the west, and the others the east. And what does this separation show the audience? The paths in which these butterflies decide to take signify the decisions in which one will take as life continues on, the opposing paths that one may make from another, the simple choice to follow either right or left, up or down, life or death, whiteness or color; could be the life- altering factor of one’s existence.
The butterfly has reached the top, but what is happening? Why are the wings beating slower, the heart rate rising, and yet the speed decreasing? Age has overcome the once beautiful, colorful, young butterfly and has devoured the organism’s very existence. As the creature reaches the peak of the image, the butterfly’s flight is not simply ending, but rather redirecting, following a new course towards the afterlife.
The butterflies are weak,
fruitless,
and white,
metaphorically becoming angels and ascending into heaven.
The butterflies do not simply disappear,
but rather continue their path off the canvas,
into a new world;
a world full of mystery,
hope,
and passion.
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