Joyful Love

 “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God.”

1 John 4:7

There are many types of hand hearts, and they all express love, friendship, and connection. But as I’ve looked closer I’ve realized they all portray love a little differently.

This classic hand heart reminds me of recognizable joyful love.

It was the first type of hand heart to gain popularity in the US, and has since become almost universally recognized. But as I was looking at it, I realized that this type of hand heart usually looks best to the giver of the gesture, and sometimes looks less like a heart to those meant to receive it. 

So to me this symbol represents traditional loving gestures. It is one of the first ways we learn to love.

This looks like flowers and chocolates and loving notes. It’s texting someone happy birthday, celebrating milestones, and hugging someone who is having a hard time. It’s clear and it’s recognizable and it can be seen and understood by everyone.

original completed 2025 - 10"x8" colored pencil on paper