by Russell Thomas AIC artist
Several people have been commenting on the small cabin I use as my signature for my artwork. I want to share that piece of my heart.
The cabin represents the nurturing and love of my mother. She helped me do my first drawing of little stick Indians, teepees and campfires. She also made small boats for me out of half walnut shells, a toothpick, a small paper sail, and paraffin to hold it all in place. She could really bake a pie. I loved her and always will.
The road leading up to the cabin represents my father, Nyal Senior, who led me through life on the many roads of mishaps and successes. He was very powerful in his wisdom of life and a master woodworker and artist. I can remember him giving me quotes I’d remember always like. “Some of the best fish you’ll ever catch are the ones that get away.” Later in life I understood this because they make the best stories and teach great lessons. My father built puppet theaters, hand painted Prince Valiant Shields, and taught me to love nature. I loved him and always will.
The three trees behind the cabin represent my brothers Nyal Jr, David and Michael. All three were woodworkers and carpenters. They did everything from hand chiseled sculpture, redwood chainsaw carvings, cedar shingles and building structures. We did everything from cattail fights in my grandmother’s swamp, to raising families of our own. Each had his own unique expression of art and accomplishment. Each stood sheltering the cabin and surroundings from the wind. I love them all and always will.
The four boulders, three on one side of the road., and one on the other are represented as values of art in odd numbers and my children. Terry, Timmy, Kathleen and Tera. None more or less valued, just uniquely valued and perfect creation. I’m proud of all of them. There are too many things to say about them, so I’ll give one very touching example. When Tera was five years old, I was sitting on a small chair and she came over and put her arms around my knee and rested her head on top. She couldn’t say, “We love each other.” So it came out, “We love cheddar.” Do you feel that in your heart? I love them and I always will.
The circle and the sky represent God’s loving blanket, caressing all the perfect creatures He loves and protects. When I look at a water drop, smell the aroma of a pine tree, feel the soft petal of a flower and hear the bubbling sounds of the small brook, I see his art. I love Him and always will.
This is my cabin. This is my heart. This is me giving thanks.