Something that was on my mind when I made this painting is the idea that the air in my lungs is borrowed. Every breath I take is a gift from God—I can’t work for it or control it—I’m just breathing. And I’ll keep breathing until this gift of life comes to an end.

It’s a sort of thought that can easily skew sad, but I think it’s so beautiful. What a grace-filled gift life is.

In this painting, I felt that Borrowed Breath was a fitting name because of the airy quality of the composition. The orange and blue marks seem to float gently above the stained canvas—like birds flying or fish swimming. There’s no way to predict or control the movements.

As you look into this canvas, I hope the artwork will encourage you, as it does me, to find gratitude for the air in your lungs. To breathe deeply and appreciate each day as a gift.