Carrying a piece of earth in the form of a tree sapling, our intrepid travelers depart the earth on a dream voyage to the stars. For me this painting represents the desire for a more harmonious existence. As conflicts and crisis on earth seem to be mounting, I believe there are those that hold the dream for another way of being. I can proudly say that I am one of those. Those who envision and strive for a reality where violence and inequality in all forms become a thing of the past. I do not know if or when we might realize that world, but it does not stop me from doing all I can to bring it to fruition. The variety of animals represents the diversity of life on the planet – human and otherwise. And the stars in the night sky harken an ideal world: heaven on earth. The fact that they are falling symbolize my belief that the Universe/God/Soul is likewise always moving towards this higher ideal. It is the nature of all systems to become more refined, healthy and balanced. These stars then, are forever meeting us part way.