The Guardian Egg (Part 1)

 

This egg was created for a great grandmother.  Each seed represents one of her great grandchildren.  They are beginning to sprout, displaying the way the great grandchildren are beginning to create their own roots within this family.

The Guardian Egg (Part 2)

 

Unfortunately for the great grandmother to whom this egg belongs, she lost one of her daughters.  One of the hardest things for a mother is to survive one of her children.  Because of my belief that our deceased loved ones watch over us, I painted this daughter very uniquely.

 

Mother hens are particularly protective of their chicks and other members of the flock.  Strong hens have been known to attack hawks and other predators that dare to come close to their young.  This protectiveness inspired me to draw a majestic hen with wings spread over her family. 

The Guardian Egg (Part 3)

 

The six brown hens painted on the egg are the living daughters.  The thirteen chicks represent the grandchildren.  They birds are circled around the egg in a ring to signify the unity of this family that, despite deaths and births, has persevered. 

 

Also, all the chicks and hens are super cute.  Protected by the guardian hen, they are blessed and safe.