Ivan Lackovic (1932-2004) was an artist of Croatia. He was born into a peasant life and was a worker in the fields and forests after completing his primary education.  He is called a “naïve” artist because he was self-taught. He began painting in 1944.  He painted life in a small village using watercolors and gained international status. He had many one man exhibitions around the world. His pieces are displayed in the Croatian Museum of Naïve Art in Zagreb. He also illustrated many books, painting beautiful pages among the words.

This fanciful painting and its captivating tints of blue might illustrate our own books on spring and hope and peace of mind and heart. It seems an invitation to wonder. It calls our attention to nature and to letting this attention be our prayer of praise and thanksgiving to our Creator God. It also seems a call to action. This is what we can vow to protect – all the flowers that take our breath away. May it be so.

In gratitude, faith and hope,

Sandy Prouty
Minister of Children and Families
Montview Church