D&C 61:36

OIL ON WOOD

8"x8"

2022

This painting captures a quiet, contemplative moment as young Florence walks along the pioneer trail, her small hand outstretched to graze the tall prairie grass swaying in the gentle breeze. The warm, earthy oranges of the prairie contrast with the cool, expansive blues of the distant sky, reflecting both the beauty of the land and the resilience within her heart. In this moment, Florence is fully immersed in her surroundings, discovering peace and a childlike wonder in the vast landscape that lies before her. The title, "In His Midst," drawn from Doctrine and Covenants 61:36, speaks to Florence's faith and her sense of God’s presence on this journey—an assurance that even in unfamiliar lands, she is not alone. This moment represents her spiritual connection to the land and her quiet courage, a small yet profound step in her journey west.

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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.