There are those seemingly happenstance moments which turn out to be a life changing experience. One such moment came for me when I walked into an Asian import store one winter's evening in search of a Christmas gift for my Mother. There on a shelf amidst a multitude of offerings, sat a small glass case in which was enclosed - an egg, adorned with the imagery of a bird, perched on the branch of a blossoming cherry tree. I knew in that instant what my gift would be. I purchased the case, and once home, removed the egg and selected one from the carton of a dozen in our fridge. After emptying its contents, I drew a portrait of the matriarch of our family, my Great Grandmother Laura. Once complete, I placed the finished drawing in the case and presented it to my Mom on Christmas morning. That was the beginning, but for the longest time I was mystified by the attraction. I continued to experiment with other forms and media, but something about the egg kept calling me back. Throughout the course of human history and across diverse traditions and cultures, the egg has served as a symbol and embodiment of the cycles and seasons of life, creation, and rebirth. Fitting that my first response upon seeing the form in a new context would be to draw a portrait of a foundational member of our family. A timeless and natural form upon which to portray, honor, and remember those whose lives have shaped and enriched our own, and serves as lasting expression of gratitude and poignant reminder of the precious and fragile nature of a life.