Before retiring my Courage Ablaze Collection—a collection of twenty-five paintings highlighting the Democratic Republic of Congo’s genocide and massive-scale rape—I would like to introduce you to a dear Congolese friend whom I’ll call Jetta. Jetta and her children fled into Uganda as gunfire broke out near their home. Trying to save the lives of her…
It is surprising, in a way, how I could have written almost all of the one hundred twenty-six Let Go letters or sentences that were submitted. Though the details of our stories may differ, our struggles are often very similar. And these common experiences of pain and loss connect us like a dot-to-dot drawing. Throughout…
Let Go statements from the ArtPrize participants: I’m letting go of all the hate. I am letting go of my shame. I’m letting go of expectations. I’m letting go of regrets about things I’ve said. I’m letting go of the fear of never being enough. I’m letting go of my failure in a broken relationship.…
The threads of past exhibits continue to be sewn in and out of my current artwork. During ArtPrize 2011, Metro Health Hospital invited me to portray Kara’s cancer story. So I created Braving the Wind which tells Kara’s remarkable story of determination and hope after her reoccurring battles with cancer. This letter from “Warrior of…
Let Go statements from the ArtPrize participants: I’m letting go of over analyzing. I will let go of excessive internet usage. I’m letting go of the shame of getting fired. I’m letting go of resentment and turning to gratitude. I’m letting go of my need to control the outcome of my life. I need to…
Let Go statements from the ArtPrize participants: I’m letting go of pornography. I’m letting go of a wayward son. I am letting go of the hurtful words. I’m ready to let go of feeling unwanted. I’m letting go of trying to control my daughter. I’m letting go of the fear of failure and rejection. I’m…
Dad, you’re supposed to protect me from people like you. All I ever wanted was your love and approval. My heart longs for a real father. Signed, your daughter This statement was written by a college student whose heart bled through the pen as her pain-filled words gushed onto paper. Like this young woman, the…