In a departure from his usual themes of hurt and healing, Frank Spring’s painting featuring his youngest sister, Jude, exudes joy and nurturance. Inspired by an early pen and ink drawing Frank did for a Christmas celebration three decades prior in which Jude was portrayed in a moment of whimsy standing on her head in the family backyard this lively depiction also serves as a fortuitous prediction of Jude’s future endeavor with a backyard chicken family.
Notably, this painting marks a significant shift in Frank's artistic expression. It reflects a departure from the need to convey messages of personal trauma, signaling a newfound exploration of lightheartedness and experimentation with different painting techniques. The artwork became a cherished piece in Frank's collection, and for almost two decades, he affectionately insisted that it belonged to Jude, yet he couldn't bring himself to part with it.
However, just before the onset of the COVID pandemic, Frank surprised Jude by shipping the painting to her. The unexpected arrival stirred a mix of emotions - joy at receiving a beloved art piece and concern about whether it signaled trouble for Frank. In response to Jude's anxious inquiry, Frank reassured her that the act of sending the painting wasn't a premonition of his passing. Still, in hindsight, it appears that his decision to release such cherished treasure may have been an unspoken acknowledgment of challenges looming on the horizon.
This touching anecdote unveils the layers of love and foresight encapsulated in Frank's art, showcasing the dynamic relationship between the artist, his work, and the meaningful connections embedded within family ties.