The painting Grandmother was a tribute to my grandmother from whom I received unconditional love. My early years of schooling in Washington D.C. were framed by knowing she would always be home to meet me. I remember coming home from school to have lunch with her and being encouraged in my love of books. Her aprons, evident of my earliest memories of being drawn to design, were a collection of patterns always ironed and folded, and worn faithfully by her every day. I remember these aprons arrangements in drawers as they were essential to her. All hugs I received from her were enveloped by her persistent love for pattern, color, and repetition. This portrait, as a vivid memory of someone, communicates the intensity I felt from all her nutritive powers.