"Sometimes I wish paintings had powers. I wish they could right what is wrong.
I was talking to a girl the other night who had a streak of bad luck with fire. In my mind I painted her with fire in one hand and water in the other, wishing to give her balance.
I’ve carefully picked out each object depicted in a painting I’m working on right now in my studio. I’m doing this painting for someone specific and I thought of it as a blessing for her life. I want to paint blessings. I also want to paint my gratitude for beautiful life, for people I love.

I remembered Ex-votos I’d seen. I imagined myself a retablista, painting offerings of thanks. Ex-voto short for ex voto suscepto, "from the vow made" or in gratitude or devotion."

I was shocked and extremely touched that she chose to do one of me. You all know how bad last year was for me. When I found out Cassi was doing one of her amazing paintings specifically about my stories...well, I have to admit that I went all weepy girly. (I probably will again when I see the finished product in person on Friday, I'm like that.)

Cassi did 24 "little tin paintings" in all, all of them from stories submitted by others. Her show opens this Friday, June 19 at Kayo Gallery in SLC during the monthly Gallery Stroll. She recently finished them and posted pictures of all 24 retablos on her website.