“I know who you are, and I know who you can become,” 2022

Artist: Carrie Leigh Dickey
 
About the Artwork: “Carrie, I know who you are, and I know who you can become,” encouraged Dr. Julianne Still Thrift, former president of Salem Academy and College. She saw in me more than I saw. I saw a small, timid fledgling. Dr. Thrift saw a bird ready to take flight. To represent Dr. Thrift’s and my perspectives, this painting includes a sparrow fledgling held by a young girl and a female sparrow in flight. A sparrow is a bird full of power, creativity, community, simplicity, empowerment, and joy: it’s spirit teaches us that as long as we are willing to do the work, we will always be able to overcome the difficulties of life. The symbolism of the sparrow encapsulates my Salem journey. Through hard work, I am discovering new abilities, creativity, and tenacity. Through rest, I am discovering peace, freedom, joy, and true beauty. Poet Erin Hanson states it best: “There is freedom waiting for you, on the breezes of the sky, and you ask ‘What if I fall?’ Oh but my darling, what if you fly?”
 
Media: Acrylic on stretched canvas
 
Dimensions: 60" wide by 48” tall
 
Framed: Finished edges