Most recently, I was asked to be a guest speaker at Lubbock Christian University, my alma mater. I am often asked if I paint the same thing every time, and the answer is ‘no.’ It is important to me to connect with the audience. I wait for divine inspiration (which requires a dose of patients on my part), and then plan my talk around the theme and image that I am given.
This particular painting is comprised of a series of abstract faces. Each row represents a specific season in my life, and the faces represent specific individuals whose presence shaped my life. While painting I was able to share stories of these individuals; relationships that have been so important in my life. I think most people have a short list of family members/friends/mentors who have listened, guided, and inspired along the often-winding road of life. In retrospect, I see that many of those people, in my life, ended up being more like anchors, helping me stay connected to the things I value most in life.
In the end, I pleaded with the audience of college students to seek out their passions, and pursue them whole-heartedly. We stand to make a greater impact on this world by doing that which we were created to do. Idealistic? Yes. Challenging? In ways I never dreamed. Worth every ounce of time and struggle? So far, my answer is YES.
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Side note: When looking through my gallery, please note the size of each painting. The painting in this photo is the average size for my work (as of late). – Emily