Stan Hunter, Serenity, 1999, acrylic on canvas

Stan Hunter, Serenity, 1999, acrylic on canvas

While this painting is called Serenity, there is an eeriness that is beautiful but unsettling. The deer stands in solitude, framed by branches and distant light. It is free from the tangled branches above it and the path opens up to light. The animal is delicate and symbolizes sensitivity. It is known as the messenger animal. This painting uses more muted colors than the other works in this exhibition. Yet, there is this subtle vibrancy that stems from the fog of the sky which fits in perfectly with the exhibition’s motifs of freedom and healing and finding light within. The path of the deer is clear, yet it stops to reflect on how far it has come and what is ahead.