“Time Watcher”
by Rowan Renée

Painting has always been what has made me feel most human and expressive throughout my life. Amongst the turmoil of the day to day, my art has remained a consistent confidant. With this painting, I want to express gratitude for both my family’s beginnings and the land that holds our story. 

Working from the outside of the painting in, the postage stamp border is meant to represent my love of travel and letter writing. The background of the piece depicts Goat Marsh, at the base of Mt St Helens, the great mountain that presides over our home and has hosted many of my summer vacations. The truck in the bottom left corner belongs to my great grandfather who is the reason my family is located in Washington at all. He and his brother came here with nothing but a truck and a dream that became a trucking company that has supported our family and philanthropy in tandem. Finally, the watchful blue heron. I am also a birder so I could not resist including one of my favorite species. He stands in wait, with his neck ready to unfold like time and stories I have yet to experience.