(This is a long one- I’m sorry in advance)
Several years ago, I painted an image- (actually several) for my annual anniversary exhibit, it was for my “Letters to the Saints”. All the work was created on player piano paper. I created big long scrolls that hung from the fifteen-foot ceilings, I created smaller work that I framed, all were dedicated to my grandfather who used to tell me he had to “go write a letter to the saints” after he visited for lunch. What an amazing thing. This really got my imagination rolling. No, I didn’t know he was taking a nap, I thought he really had a pipeline to the saints. I suppose this, and my mother’s little saint books inspired my thinking about holy people long ago. I have known incredible people, but it really occurred to me during the creation of this exhibit that there are ordinary saints among us. (that’s another project)
Back to the exhibit. I really loved how the paint and other media played with the paper. It was fairly translucent and for whatever reason, it got to me, deeply. Not only the theme of the exhibit but also the intention, the action, and the art.
Cut to a few years ago. The political arena was, shall we say, complicated. There were a lot of strong opinions, a lot of anger, and a lot of division. I personally have very strong political views (even though I don’t usually share them). Our world is so incredibly complicated. Opinions are just fine, however, how you express them can make a really powerful difference. What I was most overwhelmed by was the mean and snarky comments ON BOTH sides of the aisle.
So, one day I changed my profile photo on social media to one of the pieces I did for the “Letters to the Saints” exhibit and imposed the text on top of it… “Love not hate”. I believe my message was clear. (The Image above)
I don’t tend to rock the boat too much. I have strong beliefs, but try to share them by example, not spitting out angry or hateful messages. I believe change can come in a respectful discussion, it doesn’t have to be aggressive. I do believe that peace begins with me. I do believe that love is a choice, and the choice should be made to love and respect all.
It is still amazing to me the reaction of the general public. Strangers asked if I could make a t-shirt with the image on it. Before I knew it I was printing t-shirts, window clings, and bumper stickers with this image. I made yard signs, (I have had one in my yard by my little free library for years) and even collaborated with another artist to create Love not hate soap! (wash that negativity away)
This image has become so meaningful to me. It has become a part of my heart, part of my mission. I feel like “the mission” was always there, but this part of it had to be revealed in the right time.
It is deep in my fiber to live this message. Our current world seems to make it even more challenging. I believe when we live in fear it is easier to be more aggressive, more hateful, and less peaceful.
I have tried to live this most of my life believing that my purpose is to love. In school, I seemed to befriend the person sitting in the corner alone, in my various careers – I have worked to serve and love underserved populations, the elderly, the poor, and the challenged. I believe that love and certainly peace begins with me.
Listen to any newscast and you will see far too much hate in the world. Wars, crime, and shootings. No one is immune, no one is safe. That is one huge unsettling thought. I cannot control that, I can only make a difference on the smallest level.
So what is the point? First, maybe to serve as a reminder that we each have the power to make a difference. This was a long story about a silly image that turned into something more. I encourage you to follow your heart! Maybe that means running for political office, maybe that means helping a neighbor you barely know, sending a card for no reason at all, SMILE at someone, do it. You don’t have any clue the impact it could have.
Secondly. Peace, love, all the good stuff starts with us. Each of us. It seems clear to me that when I am more patient, when I am more loving, and when I try to be more positive, and less negative, it not only changes the game for me, it potentially has an impact on others.
I believe when we are at our best, we have tremendous power. (please, forgive the incredible length) I view the action of making art as my prayer. This feels much bigger than me, and I am grateful.
