Mosiah 18:21

OIL ON WOOD

8"x8"

2022

In this tender scene, young Florence stands beside her newly adopted First Nation mother, a sense of warmth and acceptance radiating between them. They hold hands, their gaze soft with understanding, capturing the quiet beauty of a bond that transcends language and culture. Inspired by Mosiah 18:21—“that their hearts might be knit together in unity and love”—this painting embodies the love and connection that grows between them. Florence is no longer just a visitor; she is family, embraced by a mother’s love that brings her a profound sense of belonging. This artwork speaks to the universality of compassion and the power of human connection, showing that love can knit hearts together across even the widest divides.

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“A Paiute Princess” follows the story of Florence, a young pioneer girl who, while traveling west with her family, is unexpectedly taken by a Native American tribe. Mourning the loss of their own daughter, the tribe’s chief and his wife embrace Florence as their own, dressing her in ceremonial clothes and giving her a new name. She becomes their cherished “princess,” learning their ways and forming a deep bond with her adoptive family.

Though Florence comes to love her new life, she misses her biological family. Seeing her quiet longing, the chief and his wife return her to them, believing she now belongs to both worlds. Inspired by true family history, “A Paiute Princess” is a story of resilience, cultural connection, and the power of family bonds. Florence’s legacy lives on, her story grounding her descendants as a reminder of her journey across two worlds.