Beyond the Canvas is a compilation of photograph and painting comparisons with poetry, depicting a little girl placed for adoption in 1966 ... who grew up on canvas. Pretty Ribbons is the second in a series of portraits created by Van Sleet over a twenty-six year period. She used art as therapy in processing her longing for the estranged child. When the two women met in 1993 Susan saw, for the first time, the daughter she had only imagined for nearly three decades.


Jeanne a.k.a. "Mary"

When thoughts of pretty ribbons
Fell gently on my mind
Such portrait when painted
Was "one of a kind"

With blended strokes
In softest ivory
My color-laden brush
Portrayed her slowly

Her hair shined beautifully
From tender brushing
...When pampered by mommy
There was no need for rushing

Platinum curls clustered
In arrangement just so
With ends flowing softly
From center of bow

As I painted
She lingered
Linked only by trance
Was this little "Mary"
...was it she per chance?

Credits: Susan Van Sleet