Jack and the Beanstalk
32″ x 36″ oil/canvas
Jack and the Beanstalk is a story full of useful wisdom. Jack must sell the family cow in order for Jack and his mother to eat. Jack is persuaded by a trickster, to trade the cow for some magical beans. His mother calls him foolish and throws the beans out into the garden where they grow so tall that Jack can climb up to the home of a marauding giant. There he steals a hen who lays golden eggs. The terrible giant chases Jack down the beanstalk. Clever Jack cuts the beanstalk and the giant falls to his death. Not only are we taught to beware the clever trickster, to overcome the stigma of being a fool by being resourceful, to save the fearful with courage, but our actions can better the community, which, in this example, is rid of the marauding giant. Jack is a hero. This story teaches that we can often overcome obstacles through being open to creative solutions that enable growth of the self. I loved this story because it proved that even if someone labels you a fool, it may not necessarily be true. Keep your identity safe from disabling criticism and something good may be allowed to develop in your life.