As an art curator, some projects carry with them not only beauty, but deep personal meaning. One of my most memorable commissions was for a private client in Pebble Beach in 2019. The artist was the extraordinarily talented Stephanie Peek, whose floral oil paintings recall the richness and elegance of the Dutch old masters.
For this client, Stephanie created a monumental work titled Endless Garden — a lush and dreamlike floral landscape measuring 50 x 75 inches. The canvas feels alive, brimming with blossoms and greenery that glow with an inner light. True to her gift, Stephanie layered the composition with painterly detail and a timeless sense of mystery, inviting the viewer to step into a secret garden that never ends.
But this painting was more than a work of beauty. It became a vessel for remembrance and love. Unbeknownst to the client, Stephanie incorporated two symbolic flowers — a forget-me-not and a daffodil — to honor the memory of the client’s late parents. Subtle yet profound, these blooms anchor the garden in personal history, ensuring that the painting will always carry the presence of those dearest to her.
When I presented the finished piece to the client, she was so moved that she cried. It was a reminder of why I love what I do: art has the power to speak to the soul in ways words never can.
The process of creating Endless Garden was collaborative, blending Stephanie’s artistic vision with the client’s story. It was a privilege to facilitate this journey — to witness the transformation of a commission into something far greater: a lasting testament of beauty, memory, and emotion.
Endless Garden is a triumph of artistry and a reminder of how deeply personal and healing art can be.
