This macro shot I took of a ladybug perched delicately on a budding daisy radiates a quiet, yet powerful, charm. I called the piece Lady.

I remember it being a warm sunny day at the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens around 15 years ago. Maybe longer. I’ve forgotten about it till the Cheyenne Artist Guild called for local artists to showcase their art on their September 2024 garden-themed show. It brought back memories.

The intricate details of the scene – each petal soft and fresh, the ladybug’s tiny, spotted body perfectly nestled within the greenery – are captured with a level of clarity that invites you to pause and reflect. The lush green backdrop creates a serene contrast with the vibrant red of the ladybug, a subtle metaphor for the coexistence of simplicity and complexity in nature.

When Lady was awarded first place and donned with a prestigious blue ribbon at the Guild – the validation, the recognition; it was a testament to the passion behind my humble craft. And the photo’s immediate sale the very next day added another layer of affirmation, making me feel deeply overcome by the appreciation it garnered.

In that moment, the journey from capturing the photo to seeing it appreciated in such a public and meaningful way culminated in a profound sense of fulfillment. My art had touched others, just as nature had touched me. For this, I am truly grateful.