It is interesting that J. R. R. Tolkien’s favorite word — his very favorite word — was “plenilune.” This painting inhabits a world Tolkien never traveled, yet expresses emotions he most surely felt.

While life is made up of millions of moments, there is one that surpasses all others: the moment when we realize — when we truly embrace — that we are being loved wholly and fully, without reservation. The moment when the sun and the moon fully see one another.

The time of a plenilune, or full moon.

“月が綺麗ですね” (tsuki ga kirei desu ne) translates to “The moon is beautiful, isn’t it?” This phrase is a more poetic way of saying “I love you.” Japanese writer Natsume Sōseki (1867–1916) once overheard a student translating “I love you” rather awkwardly into its literal form: ware kimi o aisu. Sōseki believed — as a product of his time and culture in the Meiji period — that such directness rejected Japanese sensibility. Thus, this more subtle, nuanced expression — “the moon is beautiful” — was born.

What an extraordinary way to refer to love: “The moon is beautiful.”

Red is a sign of power, a symbol of the heart, and also a sign of love. That red roses, among all others, are what our collective consciousness associates with the deepest of feelings is no accident.

The gold streaks in the background are remnants of an entire village that Ashley Collins painted in the early layers of the work — a symbol of our family, our community, and what we protect.

The beauty of our desire to protect goes further. Where the bit connects with the reins sits a valuable original tsuba from the late 1800s. A tsuba is the hand guard of a samurai sword — the place through which the blade passes, protecting the hand. Developed during the Edo period, the tsuba is also about beauty — a reminder that in all things — love, battle, honor — there is grace.

There is a warrior riding through the lower portion of the work, rushing to protect and to fight for those he loves. As in all relationships, we must love with all our hearts.