Brilliance in the Lost Moment of Hesitation

-The Milly Paintings
2009

First and foremost, I would like to thank Milly for allowing me into her personal life during a time of great suffering. I admire her humility in permitting me, a stranger, to take hundreds of photos of her during two grueling photo shoots. The modeling sessions took place at her home between her painful and often debilitating cancer treatments. I can’t help but think of the reservations one who is battling cancer might have about being photographed.  Hair and eyebrows lost, scars added… amid all the uncertainty, the medical and spiritual efforts to get well, Milly let me in.
 

My fascination with the dichotomy of the seen and unseen in human existence has been a conceptual cornerstone for most of my career as a figurative artist. It is in the moment of hesitation when one moves into the interior space of thought, that I find inspiration. From the first moment I saw Milly, it was love at first sight. She possessed all of the visual components that I explore in my figurative paintings; colorful bandannas, large geometric earrings, bold bright patterned clothes, and most importantly a compelling presence. As I waited well over a year to paint her, my enthusiasm built immensely. I now realize in retrospect and reflection that the year of waiting was given to me as a time to observe a stirring and radiant metamorphosis happening in this young woman.  

My intention in painting these works has not been to define Milly’s story or put words to her feelings: as an observer and painter, my intention is to exemplify the human condition through the lens of my art. I strive to paint not only the delicate features of the external person but to capture the tender unseen presence that transcends understanding in the depth of a soul. The mystery of existence is profound. My hope is that in these works depicting Milly, people might find inspiration to look at one another in new ways and grow in sincere appreciation for the great gifts each of us has to offer.

Again Milly, thank you, and congratulations on a battle well fought.

                                                                                - Ali Cavanaugh