In between 3 murals this summer, I recently completed my 5th part of my current Fruits Of The Spirit series, Generosity/Goodness. This is the only larger start to finish piece I’ve completed this year, so that was certainly a triumph! Along with working on my own concept based fine art, I’ve been enjoying creating art people can take home with them: comics, clothing and accessories, mini paintings, and more.

I’ve mentioned in the past that it is important to me that my art connects with people of varying backgrounds. Though my art often deals with themes that have emotional depth, I haven’t made, well, ANY spiritual or faith based art before for that reason. The Fruits Of The Spirit come from the Christian tradition, but are principles that we can all relate to.

Generosity, perhaps recently more than ever, is so countercultural to the way we function (I’m in the US right now, so I can’t speak to anywhere else.). At times there is even open scorn for generosity, as we make assumptions about why certain people may have ended up in a situation where they need help, and why they don’t deserve it. I was recently notified that Michigan Arts Access, a program I work with that provides opportunities in arts, theatre, and music education to students in special education (like the arts branch of Special Olympics), will likely not be able to continue its work next year due to funds to support inclusion opportunities for individuals with disabilities being diverted via a federal mandate to an “American Heroes Sculpture Garden” that will cost up to 40 million dollars. We are seeing in real time that a lack of generosity has nothing to do with a lack of funds. In an era where we hear and read daily phrases like “protect your peace”, and see the usually beneficial and healthy practice of boundary setting being weaponized as an excuse to be a self centered and unsupportive friend, generosity with our time and emotions is also at an all time low.

Inspired by art history and ancient pottery, I decided to convey generosity in the form of the figure’s hands being like spouts on a vessel, bountiful water pouring forth from inside. The reason I chose to depict the figure surrounded by more water, lush plants growing all around, has to do with the idea that there is enough. Our own resources may be finite, which is why we can’t do everything alone. However, when we come together as a community it is possible for everyone to get what they need without harming anyone else. Below I filmed some closeups of the finished piece, and talk a bit more about the project.

When I see struggle happening everywhere and want to do more to help but am not sure how, or feel depleted myself, I draw from my faith, my close friends and family, and the network I’ve built as a working artist that has provided me with so many opportunities to use my gifts for good. What are the sources of your renewal?

Later this Fall, I have the opportunity to volunteer in leading some mindfulness art activities to guests at a mental health festival in a nearby city. Be sure to check back as I update everyone on how it went!