I
had a number of reasons
for picking this title for my butterfly painting.
The butterfly to me is a symbol of hope and new beginnings.
It is a subject that everyone can relate to and everyone
has seen a butterfly. Showing the cycle of the Monarch
butterfly tells of the changes in life which also
occur with FOP.
I
picked the detailed work of a butterfly in watercolor
to show what can be done after my adapting to FOP. I
was a right-handed painter until two years ago when
my right elbow locked, forcing me to now do most of
my painting with my left hand. This is the first time
I have painted an open-winged monarch butterfly using
my left hand. I consider this one of the more difficult
butterflies to paint. I also wanted to show with my
painting that people with FOP can have productive lives.
It's
important to have a special interest such as painting
is to me. I wanted to mention the wonderful time my
parents and I had at the symposium in 1991. It was great
meeting new friends and hearing more about FOP. It is
a trip I'll never forget. I'm sure the 1995 symposium
will be just as successful and my best wishes to everyone.
Jack
B. Sholund
Bigfork, Minnesota
