The Meaning of "Held but Not Kept"

“Held but Not Kept” is one of the most personal paintings I’ve ever created, inspired by a dog I once had and had to give away. While the black fur is a subtle nod to the fact that the dog has since passed, that’s not the focus of the piece. This painting is about the complexity of love and loss, both physical and emotional.

The dog, resting inside a wooden crate, represents both shelter and transition. It’s neither here to stay nor fully gone. It exists in a space between holding on and letting go, much like the emotions of farewell. The worn work boots beside the crate belong to a man who has labored through long days, carrying both purpose and devotion. They tell the story of a working man’s life, built on effort, loyalty, and sacrifice. Those same boots once walked beside the dog, carrying both man and companion through miles of shared silence and trust.

The note taped to the crate that reads “Don’t feed me” serves as a quiet act of understanding. It is not cruelty but compassion, a reminder that feeding the dog would only make goodbye harder. The man cares for the dog, provides for it, and yet knows that love sometimes means stepping back.

This painting speaks to the beauty and heartbreak of holding something knowing you cannot keep it. It is about love that asks for strength instead of possession. It is raw, real, and deeply human, a reflection of what it means for a working man to love and let go.