Bluebird Carries the Sky on Its Back

This painting tells a personal story about searching for happiness, belonging, and a sense of home. Inspired by Maurice Maeterlinck’s The Blue Bird, the bluebird becomes a symbol of fulfillment and joy—the happiness that can feel distant, only to reveal itself as something that has been close all along.
The Korean bridal mask, wedding headpiece, patterned background, cage, sea, and abstract obstacles reflect my experience of living between cultures. They speak to the tension of carrying a Korean identity in a foreign country, at times hiding it, questioning it, and eventually learning to embrace it.
 
At the center of the work is a simple realization: the cage may have felt empty, but the bluebird was never truly gone.
 
Why did I cry about my empty cage when the bluebird was already on my shoulder?
With its vivid color, layered symbolism, and strong vertical presence, this piece is designed to bring both energy and meaning into a space. It invites you to live with the work, return to it, and discover new details over time. As it becomes part of your home, the story can begin to feel personal too—perhaps even reminding you of the happiness, identity, or sense of belonging you have been carrying with you all along.
 
82hx32w
Acrylic
 
Free pickup at Lakewood Center in Lake Oswego.
Free delivery in the Lake Oswego and Portland areas.
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