The New Zealand Maori often use a a shape in their art called a Koru.

I've been using the shape in a lot of my art recently, because now that I am not in my country, the traditions and culture that I once took forgranted now means more to me.

Symbolically the koru means new beginnings, harmony, growth and life.

Western culture believe this shape (the heart) means love. I've found the two shapes lend themselves to each other.

I've used the combination before in my art, firstly in a painting done while pregnant with TK, and then in this painting, the first I ever sold (in a fund raiser for the New Zealand AIDS foundation.

This is my third -- originally for a 'new baby' gift for a friend who isn't into cuddly and cute: