Reflections of the Heart

The  mountain peaks are the backbone of the scene, standing tall against the horizon. They remind me of the strength we find within ourselves, especially when we feel connected to something larger. These peaks, part of Glacier National Park’s iconic landscape, represent endurance and timelessness, much like love itself. 

The  reflection in the water is central to the piece. Water in its still state often evokes introspection and calm, mirroring the outer world but also reflecting our inner selves. I wanted the lake to convey a message of peace—that when we pause and reflect, we can find clarity and balance. The reflection also creates a beautiful symmetry, emphasizing how nature mirrors our emotions. 

The  heart shapes framing the mountains are intentional. When I was composing this, I thought about how our love for nature is reciprocal—nature gives to us as we give to it. The hearts, to me, symbolize that deep connection we feel when we are out in the wilderness, away from the noise of everyday life, where the mountains, the sky, and the water speak directly to our hearts. 

The  waterfall effect is a layer that adds fluidity and movement. Waterfalls represent the constant flow of life, time, and emotions. I wanted this effect to evoke a feeling of grace, as if the scene is gently unfolding, allowing the viewer to be swept away in its tranquility. 

The dominant color in the image is  gold , reflecting the warm light of the setting sun on the mountains. Gold symbolizes wisdom, wealth, and illumination. It is a color that reminds us of the fleeting beauty of moments like sunsets—brief, but powerful. I chose gold here to highlight the importance of cherishing the simple, beautiful moments in life. 

The  black and white streaks that resemble a waterfall give a sense of timelessness and balance. Black represents depth, mystery, and the unknown, while white symbolizes purity, clarity, and new beginnings. Together, they create a harmony that speaks to the dualities we often face in life—light and dark, joy and sorrow. 

The  calm blue of the sky and water represents peace, tranquility, and emotional depth. Blue is often associated with introspection, and in this image, it’s used to draw the viewer inward, to reflect on the beauty around them, and perhaps the beauty within themselves. 

Glacier National Park, located in Montana, is one of America’s most stunning natural treasures. Established in 1910, it covers over a million acres of wilderness, with over 700 miles of trails for visitors to explore. The park is known for its dramatic mountain ranges, pristine lakes, and the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road, which offers some of the most breathtaking views in the country. 

One of the park's most pressing issues today is the rapid disappearance of its glaciers. Once home to over 150 glaciers, only 26 remain, and these too are expected to disappear within a few decades due to climate change. Despite this, the park’s rugged beauty continues to inspire and draw millions of visitors each year. 

As I created  "Reflections of the Heart," I thought about the deep connection humans have with nature. We may not always realize it, but nature speaks to us in profound ways, offering peace, solace, and understanding when we need it most. The heart shapes in the image are a reminder that love and nature are intrinsically linked. When we care for the Earth, it cares for us in return. 

This artwork is meant to be a meditation on the importance of reflection—both in a literal sense, with the mountains mirrored in the lake, and a metaphorical sense, as we pause to reflect on what matters most in life. The combination of the golden mountains, the calm water, and the abstract heart shapes is intended to evoke feelings of warmth, love, and inner peace.