September always feels like a fresh start. Maybe it’s the “back to school” season still living in my bones, new notebooks, sharpened pencils, and that mix of nerves and excitement about what’s ahead. It’s a time of learning and stepping into the unknown.
That’s exactly what came to mind when I created my encaustic and photography piece, Upendo, which means “love” in Swahili (a language spoken in East Africa).
When I was in Africa, I came across a quiet but powerful moment between two zebras. The parent zebra was staring so intently at its young one, a gaze full of love and protection. The little zebra, though, was looking outward, directly at me. Curious. Brave. Ready to explore.
It wasn’t the stripes or the scenery that made me click the shutter. It was the gesture: the subtle tilt of the parent’s head, the soft eyes holding space, and the outward glance of the youngster. That exchange told a whole story without a single word.
For me, it felt like watching so many moments we share as parents, and it also felt like the heart of September: one figure standing steady, offering love and reassurance, while the other steps out into the world with courage and curiosity. It wasn’t a grand hug or kiss, but the quiet, unmistakable look of love a parent has for a child, watching them grow, change, and become more independent.
That’s the feeling I tried to capture in Upendo: the love a parent feels for a child, and the delicate balance between holding on and letting go.
Upendo is just one piece from my Africa collection each artwork holding a story of presence, love, and connection. If you’d like to see more of these moments, you can explore the full collection:
CLICK HERE. https://www.artworkarchive.com/profile/nancy-falconi/artwork/zebra-upendo
And if you feel called to have something created especially for you, I also offer custom work.
Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania - cold and rainy day Zebras in front of my camera lens.
