Two Houses, One Sky: The Universality of Hope

I received a wonderful gift from a friend during a voice recital at our university that we both attended last night (photo below). The gift is a watercolor painting titled “Teeny Tiny Houses X” by Vanessa D. Guevarra. I love this piece for its simplicity, the innocence of children in it, the delicate watercolor technique, and the way it invites conversations about its deeper meaning.

This story began when my friend shared a larger version of this painting on his Facebook story, and I reacted with a heart emoji. That sparked a conversation where he told me he had purchased the piece because he really liked it. Knowing my love for music and the arts—and to celebrate my recent graduation with an MS in Geology—he promised to buy me a similar painting from the same artist as a gift. It was such a thoughtful gesture from someone who’s known me for a long time, and it truly made my day when he finally gave the gift to me last night.

Art often invites multiple interpretations, and the meaning can vary depending on the viewer’s perspective. Some would possibly view this painting as showing inequality – the contrasting sizes of the houses might symbolize differences in wealth privilege, or access to resources. The fact that the child on the larger house is flying two kites while the child on the smaller house has only one could suggest that those with more resources often have greater opportunities or luxuries.

At the same time, the act of both children flying kites might convey a sense of shared humanity or joy, despite their differing circumstances. This could add a layer of complexity to the message: while inequities exist, there are universal experiences that connect us.

The painting might symbolize hope, resilience, and the idea that joy can be found regardless of one’s circumstances. The kites could represent aspirations or dreams, showing that both children are reaching for the sky in their own way.

The smaller house doesn’t limit the child’s ability to enjoy the moment, and the two kites on the larger house could symbolize abundance and the ability to share. It’s a reminder that happiness and fulfillment are not always tied to material wealth but to the simple pleasures we choose to embrace. Isn’t this a more beautiful and uplifting way to view it! 🌟 Thank you, my friend, for such a precious gift!

How about you? What does the painting tell you?

xoxo,

Grass