I played piano from kindergarten to 8th grade. It was a constant for me, and I wasn’t the best at it but it gave me peace when I was struggling in school, with friend, or with my wiry pre-pubescent moods.

The year I felt I began to hit my stride, I was in 8th grade. Mrs. Peters was teaching and guiding me so thoughtfully through a new repertoire, getting me ready for piano competitions and recitals. She was diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer and stopped seeing all of her students but me. Eventually she passed away and I stopped playing the piano.

This piece was meant to be in remembrance of her, as an altar of her grace and encouragement.

Grief and my first love, Piano

20 x 16, Acrylic on canvas