This is one of those pieces that I might never have painted had the image not emerged from the grain in the wood. Truly representative of where I was at at the time—hoping for a big leap of faith—I meditated on this while painting. Later, when photographing the body of work to which this piece belongs I forgot to include this one. I believe there are no accidents, in art or life. A higher power drives circumstances and the best laid plans might not happen. I rediscovered this missing piece months later, at a time when faith was challenged once again. The stretch was huge, and making it to the other side of the pond (literally and metaphorically) would make all the difference.