held

Our featured painting and song this month is “Held/ Like the Morning”. You can hear the album version of the song here. The piece Betony created as companion for the song is seen above, a video of us singing it together while Bet is in process in her studio is below. We caught the moment with this one-take video.

Giants & Pilgrims One-Take Video “Hold You Closer” from Tim Coons on Vimeo.

Like the Morning
Giants & Pilgrims

G bm dm A
When they tell you, get your head down

G bm dm A
I will tell you, keep your head up

G D G D
And I will hold you closer, I will hold you close

Take your questions by the millions
Put your coat on, steal your kisses

G G/F# A D D/C# bm
When you’ve come undone or turn and run
G D A
I’ll be the one with the morning

In your best parades or worst of days
I’ll be the same, like the morning
Roll your fists up, let your words cut
In defenses throwing each punch

If your head should lie or you need a guide
I will reply like the morning
when confetti rains or your heart breaks
I will stay like the morning

In the Giants & Pilgrims painting series is a piece called “Held”; a primary image of a woman curled-up surrounded by elements of earth and garden . Below is artist Betony Coons’ process pictures alongside some bits of story and meaning, giving why she created the piece.

From Betony:

I saved the creation of this piece for last. I think I was nervous about it. I don’t paint people very often, and I had a very clear picture of what I wanted.

I have had two miscarriages the last two years. Each were very difficult in their own way, but through the process, I discovered strength I didn’t know I had and felt “held” by those around me, mourning with us.

For me, this painting is my processing of those experiences. I knew I wanted to paint a curled up figure, in a sort of fetal position, but I didn’t want it to be sad. I wanted her to feel strong. The piece is about movement, history leading into new voyages and journeys forward. Water is portrayed as moving us towards the next adventure; holding on to the mystery and beauty of life.

My favorite part of the piece is the darkness in the center with the little flecks of gold leaf. To me, it speaks of this mystery and beauty.