The Cherisher

The story behind a commissioned painting.

Kristi Kennimer (b. 1977)

The Cherisher, 2021

Oil on canvas

52w x 70h

If I weren’t so fond of short titles, this work would be called:

The Cherisher. Life According to Gus Antos, as Seen Through the Eyes of Amanda Antos, Interpreted with an Artist’s Hand.

I call them cherishers—people who actually intentionally create valuable moments in life’s otherwise forgotten pockets of time. They manufacture joy, seemingly from nothing, then radiate that love unto others. 

I got a call from the wife of one of these cherishers. She spoke of her husband’s huge heart for others. How he is there for loved ones in dark times. How he makes everyone’s lives fun. How he befriended her father. And how he doesn’t see circumstances as having any real power, but rather he chooses to keep faith and perspective. 

The wife’s interpretation of her husband speaks to her own perspective. To see this in a partner makes for a strong bond. She brightens the torch, then passes it to me.  

I am a conduit. Thinking as I use tools and paint, I feel connected with this team, with this family. I wanted to intentionally create valuable moments in this painting’s otherwise forgotten pockets of space. To make every moment count, honoring the details. As Gus does. And at the same time, never losing sight of the big picture. After all, we are the sum of our interpretation of life’s layers. So, as long as we look, whether at tiny moments or at the grand scheme, we must choose to love what we receive. As Gus does.

This synthesis I paint for Amanda to gift to you on the anniversary of your birth, forty years ago.

Thank you for this honor,

Kristi