“Prove yourself brave, truthful, and unselfish, and someday you will be a real boy.” That is the promise of the Blue Fairy to the puppet Pinocchio. This is a story of our human condition and striving to become. It’s also a story about redemption. The message is that there is always a way back for someone with a good conscience and a strong heart if they hold on to unconditional love.

I first saw it when I was seven years old. I identified with the puppet turned little boy but was too young to know why. I just knew I loved him. My parents bought me a Pinocchio bank doll, and it was my prized possession through my childhood. I kept it through high school. Starting this project, 44 years later, I sat down and watched the film again. It had an unbelievable impact on me. I cried openly. I knew right away what I wanted to capture in the painting.

I wanted to capture the moment of pure joy. Pinocchio has returned home to his father. They dance in celebration that he has become a real boy — their dream has come true. Figaro, Cleo, and the clocks are even caught up in the joyful event. This is considered by many to be Walt Disney’s best-animated classic. It’s magical mantra echoes, “When you wish upon a star, your dreams come true.”