Hope

Meaning: Belief nurtures resilience, renewal, and the promise of brighter days ahead.

Hope embodies the spirit of resilience and unity during uncertain times. Visitors started this piece at my art booth at the Luminaria Contemporary Arts Festival, where their spontaneous marks, positive symbols, and words like "be kind" and "love" infused the canvas with a collective sense of optimism. These contributions guided my choice of contrasting colors and inspired me to see the form of a blue morpho butterfly—a symbol of transformation and renewal.

The completion of this painting coincided with a moment of intense personal and societal reflection during the U.S. Presidential Election. While finishing the piece, I listened to "Metamorphosis" by David Clavijo, a composition that resonated deeply, echoing the struggles, change, and growth experienced during the Covid-19 pandemic. Although I was unaware of the song’s significance, its stirring notes became a backdrop to my emotions—mirroring the hope, uncertainty, and longing for unity that surrounded me as I worked.

Hope is more than a visual piece; it is a testament to the beauty found in shared expression and the power of collective positivity. The marks left by strangers, combined with my reflections during this period of profound societal divide and fear, remind us that even in our most challenging moments, carrying joy and compassion toward one another can foster hope.