The Story Behind the Painting: As the eldest of all my cousins, I’ve always felt a quiet responsibility to stay close, even from far away. Most of them are still in Alice Springs, while I live in NSW now with my brother and sister. Even though we’re spread across different parts of the country, there’s a part of me that still feels really close to them—like a thread that keeps us tied together, no matter how far apart we are.

Some nights, I find myself looking up at the sky, thinking about them. The stars always seem to shine a little brighter when I do. I imagine them standing under the same sky, seeing the same stars, and it brings a kind of quiet comfort. That’s what inspired this painting.

Each star and planet in the sky represents one of my cousins—each one unique, shining in their own way. I painted soft lines between them to show that no matter the distance, we’re still connected by something invisible but strong. A kind of love that doesn’t fade.

At the bottom of the painting, I placed their silhouettes—quiet, steady, and present. They’re not reaching or running, just being. And somehow, that stillness says everything. It’s a reminder that connection doesn’t always need words or movement. Sometimes just knowing someone is there, loving you from afar, is enough.

This piece holds my heart. It’s my way of telling them: I see you. I miss you. And no matter where we are, when we look up at the night sky, we’re all under the same stars. That’s something that will always connect us.

It’s more than a painting—it’s a promise. A reminder that love travels across any distance, that memories don’t fade, and that family is never really far away. Wherever life takes us, we’ll always have this sky. And in it, they’ll always find me.

This artwork is copyrighted. All rights are retained by the artist, Keira Graham. No part of this artwork may be reproduced, copied, or used without written permission from the artist.

This piece is painted on rolled canvas and will require professional stretching or framing before display.