![Camilla d'Errico, Diaspora, 2020](https://artlogic-res.cloudinary.com/w_1600,h_1600,c_limit,f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto/artlogicstorage/dorothycircusgallerysrl/images/view/07f72b9e5aeabe930d95b2b5ad73bdf0p/dorothycircusgallery-camilla-d-errico-diaspora-2020.png)
Camilla d'Errico Canadian, b. 1980
25.4x20.3 cm
This painting is a metaphor for the passage of time. Our hearts are never one whole experience, or existing in a state of singularity. We can’t control when the tides of emotions sway us, or what will pull at our heartstrings. And like a dandelion, our hearts are composed of many pieces, as fragile and impermanent as dandelion wisps. I’ve felt one piece of my heart after another taken by the breezes blowing this year. But dandelions are symbols of life too; even when the flower dies, many tiny lives are carried forward on the wind to create new life in new places. That’s why I placed a crown of them around the figure’s head, to communicate the power of life-giving, and growing back stronger though sharing her heart. I’ve always felt that when my heart has been broken, it changed my life and made me stronger. This painting was inspired by a diaspora of the heart I felt through reflecting on, and rethinking events of this year. Some of my heart has floated away during losses, but other parts of it have stayed to grow bigger and stronger on reformed roots. This year we’ve been tested by struggles, changes, and losing parts of ourselves. My dandelion heart only has a few seeds left, but I know they’ll grow more beautiful than before.