In the Darkest Times, Let the Light Shine in the Haven of Your Soul

2021 / Oil on linen (aluminium frame) / 180 x 220 x 2,5 cm

In this painting the viewer is standing in the haven of the soul and looking through the eyes of the soul to the frightening world or dark periods in life. During the process of the painting Van de Graaf wrote a poem about the painting, but like he mentioned; “The poem just came right out the pen, like it was written by the painting.” (5 March 2021, translated by the artist from the Dutch original);

“In the darkest time of your soul,

Know I will always be there,

To lighten up your soul which has his home in Heaven.

Walk through the dark parts of your life with trust and courage,

So that the Light may find back its way to your soul.

Do not be afraid for the darkness of the time,

Because the soul only knows eternity.”

(original Dutch version);

“In de donkerste tijd van je ziel,

Weet dan dat Ik er altijd ben,

Om te verlichten je ziel die zijn thuis heeft in de Hemel.

Bewandel met vertrouwen en moed de donkere delen van je leven,

Opdat het licht zijn weg terug mag vinden naar je ziel.

Wees niet bang voor de donkerte van de tijd,

Want de ziel kent alleen de eeuwigheid.”