Montani Semper Liberi

West Virginia-inspired
Nomadic Series
30 x 24"
acrylic on canvas


“Montani Semper Liberi,” latin for “Mountaineers are always free,” is West Virginia’s state motto. It seemed to be a fitting title for a simple painting, inspired by the odd-shaped state, nestled in the East. We originally visited West Virginia during the week between Christmas and New Years. Since most everyone was on holiday, we decided to explore the state, but return later to meet with a gallery.

The week in West Virginia was full of adventure amongst the land’s natural beauty. Autumn leaves lay trapped in time within iced lakes, and pines sagged with the overbearing weight of snow. However, beneath a frozen surface, life thrived. For some unexplainable reason, I felt inspired to paint this delicate sign winter life through robin eggs, which are known to signal Spring’s return. Each egg reveals one of three significant impressions that West Virginia left with me.

The open egg represents freedom, adventure and fragility. The crack mirrors that found in Seneca Rocks, located in the Monongahela National Forest. The legend of a Seneca princess named “Snow Bird,” who was the only Indian to ascend the jagged cliffs. She challenged seven men, in search of her hand in marriage, to follow her in the climb. The one that was successful, she took as her husband.

The slightly cracked egg illustrates the mystery that lies within West Virginia borders. Home to mountains, caves, and even a lost river, West Virginia land is as curious as its awkward-shaped border. This leads to the final egg, which is fully closed. There is something about the land that draws you in, yet doesn’t let you leave. This became evident in the people that we met. It almost felt that they considered West Virginia their personal playground and sanctuary. One could almost get the impression that some have built their mountain home, and pulled the covers up over their heads. This isn’t to say the natives are unfriendly, but they aren’t outwardly welcoming, either. It is almost as if they have a secret, too precious to share with outsiders.

The three eggs lay silent against a numb ground. The quiet, almost monochromatic painting allows viewers to listen to the crunching of snow beneath their feet, and the wisp of wind along their cheek. This is what West Virginia shared with me.

~ Kristin Abraham