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. For the longest time I was mystified by the attraction, and continued to experiment with other forms and media, but something about the egg - that form, 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 natural and timeless form upon which to portray, honor, and remember those whose lives have shaped and enriched our own, and serves as a lasting expression of gratitude and a poignant reminder of the precious and fragile nature of a life.