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GLIMPSES OF THE PLACES THEY CALLED HOME
Lori created this collection while quarantining during the COVID-19 pandemic in order to honor the bravery, kindness and exuberance of refugee families who bring so much to our communities. These 28 paintings were included in an online auction held for the benefit of Hearts & Homes for Refugees in November/December 2020. The money raised by the auction assisted refugee families who were financially impacted by the pandemic.
Donate a minimum of $100 to Hearts & Homes for Refugees to receive
a set of 28 notecards featuring this collection! To donate, click here
The Violet Haze of Gul Ghondi Hill, Afghanistan SOLD
Oil, 11x14 inches unframed, gallery canvas 1.5 inches deep (no frame required)
A breathtaking landscape, mighty hills, lush greenery and a peaceful environment are what some associate with the northern Parwan province of Afghanistan, nestled in the lap of the Hindu Kush Mountains.
In this province, Gul Ghondi Hill in particular attracts visitors around the time of Nowruz (the Persian New Year), when people arrive to picnic and see the fleeting Arghawan flowers, whose blossoms last barely a week.
Artist's Note:
The violet hue of the Arghawan flowers is striking as they blanket parts of the landscape with their vivid color, offset by the blue of the mountains and sky beyond.
A breathtaking landscape, mighty hills, lush greenery and a peaceful environment are what some associate with the northern Parwan province of Afghanistan, nestled in the lap of the Hindu Kush Mountains.
In this province, Gul Ghondi Hill in particular attracts visitors around the time of Nowruz (the Persian New Year), when people arrive to picnic and see the fleeting Arghawan flowers, whose blossoms last barely a week.
Artist's Note:
The violet hue of the Arghawan flowers is striking as they blanket parts of the landscape with their vivid color, offset by the blue of the mountains and sky beyond.
A Baby in Her Burqa'd Arms, Afghanistan SOLD
Oil, 12x12 inches unframed
There are diverse reasons why women wear burqas, and this practice needs to be understood in the context of both place and time. A woman may choose to wear a burqa to express her piety, views on modesty, rejection of Western notions of sexuality, or her political beliefs. However, some women are required against their will to wear the burqa.
The blue burqa worn by this woman is more common in the Kabul area. It is made of lightweight cloth that billows out in the wind as a woman walks, and therefore has to be held tightly, sometimes with both hands.
Artist's Note:
It is a sweet surprise to see this child?s face fully exposed and full of expression, in the arms of a parent whose identity is completely concealed under her burqa.
There are diverse reasons why women wear burqas, and this practice needs to be understood in the context of both place and time. A woman may choose to wear a burqa to express her piety, views on modesty, rejection of Western notions of sexuality, or her political beliefs. However, some women are required against their will to wear the burqa.
The blue burqa worn by this woman is more common in the Kabul area. It is made of lightweight cloth that billows out in the wind as a woman walks, and therefore has to be held tightly, sometimes with both hands.
Artist's Note:
It is a sweet surprise to see this child?s face fully exposed and full of expression, in the arms of a parent whose identity is completely concealed under her burqa.
A Boy and His Djembe, West Africa SOLD
Oil, 16x16 inches unframed, gallery canvas 1.5 inches deep (no frame required)
A djembe or jembe is a rope-tuned skin-covered goblet drum played with bare hands, originally from West Africa. According to the Bambara people in Mali, the name of the djembe comes from the saying "Anke djé, anke bé" which means "everyone gather together in peace" and defines the drum's purpose.
The drum is said to have been invented in the 12th Century by the Mandinka tribe in what is now Mali. It has been played by West Africans for generations, forming an integral part of life in many West African countries.
Legend has it that the drum contains three spirits: that of the tree from which it was made, of the animal whose skin is used for the drumhead, and of the carver or the one who cut the tree and assembled the drum. The blacksmiths of old custom fit each drum to its player.
Artist's Note:
This young djembe drummer is thoroughly enjoying his lesson, perhaps imagining a future time when his talents will lead villagers in dance and song!
A djembe or jembe is a rope-tuned skin-covered goblet drum played with bare hands, originally from West Africa. According to the Bambara people in Mali, the name of the djembe comes from the saying "Anke djé, anke bé" which means "everyone gather together in peace" and defines the drum's purpose.
The drum is said to have been invented in the 12th Century by the Mandinka tribe in what is now Mali. It has been played by West Africans for generations, forming an integral part of life in many West African countries.
Legend has it that the drum contains three spirits: that of the tree from which it was made, of the animal whose skin is used for the drumhead, and of the carver or the one who cut the tree and assembled the drum. The blacksmiths of old custom fit each drum to its player.
Artist's Note:
This young djembe drummer is thoroughly enjoying his lesson, perhaps imagining a future time when his talents will lead villagers in dance and song!
Aleppo Peppers, Syria SOLD
Oil, 16x16 inches unframed, gallery canvas 1.5 inches deep (no frame required)
These chilies, known for their bright red hue and distinctive smoky flavor, are named after the city of Aleppo in Syria. The peppers are grown mostly in Northern Syria and Turkey, and in crushed form are a staple spice of Mediterranean foods.
Aleppo provided the ideal context for growing these plants: already flavored with the mineral grit of the semi-arid north Syrian Plateau, the chile was bred to grow red and sweet. The area's climate is also excellent for sun drying; with salt and oil, a distinct technique for producing Aleppo pepper flakes was refined.
This pepper has been harder to find in recent years as its namesake city has been ravaged by civil war. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of Aleppo peppers and other crops were destroyed in Syria between 2011 and 2016. Now some spice vendors are sourcing their Aleppo peppers from nearby Turkey.
Artist's Note:
The brilliance of the pepper's red color suggests an extreme level of heat but it actually has a moderate heat level of about 10,000 on the chili pepper Scoville scale. The intense combination of the pepper's bright color and its shiny skin is offset by the muted metal or clay bowl in which they sit.
These chilies, known for their bright red hue and distinctive smoky flavor, are named after the city of Aleppo in Syria. The peppers are grown mostly in Northern Syria and Turkey, and in crushed form are a staple spice of Mediterranean foods.
Aleppo provided the ideal context for growing these plants: already flavored with the mineral grit of the semi-arid north Syrian Plateau, the chile was bred to grow red and sweet. The area's climate is also excellent for sun drying; with salt and oil, a distinct technique for producing Aleppo pepper flakes was refined.
This pepper has been harder to find in recent years as its namesake city has been ravaged by civil war. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of Aleppo peppers and other crops were destroyed in Syria between 2011 and 2016. Now some spice vendors are sourcing their Aleppo peppers from nearby Turkey.
Artist's Note:
The brilliance of the pepper's red color suggests an extreme level of heat but it actually has a moderate heat level of about 10,000 on the chili pepper Scoville scale. The intense combination of the pepper's bright color and its shiny skin is offset by the muted metal or clay bowl in which they sit.
A Rainbow of Peppers, Mexico SOLD
Oil, 16x16 inches unframed, gallery canvas 1.5 inches deep (no frame required)
Like their relatives, chili peppers, bell peppers originated in Central and South America. It is said that these peppers were named by Christopher Columbus and Spanish explorers who were searching for peppercorn plants to produce black pepper, which was then so expensive that it was sometimes used as currency. Bell peppers then became very popular in Europe for their various culinary uses including drying of red pepper to make paprika.
Interestingly, red, green, yellow and orange bell peppers are all the same type of pepper, just at different stages of ripeness. The green ones are the least ripe; the brighter colored peppers are sweeter because the sugar content increases as the vegetable matures on the vine.
Today, the majority of bell pepper imports to the United States come from Mexico, which is the second largest producer of bell peppers worldwide, after China.
Artist's Note:
Bell peppers have been called nature's 'Christmas ornaments' thanks to their vivid colors and unique shapes. Here, I imagined this glossy fruit (yes, they are botanically classified as fruit) almost dancing on a festive table covering!
Chaparrastique Volcano, El Salvador
Oil, 11x14 inches unframed, gallery canvas 1.5 inches deep (no frame required)
El Salvador is nicknamed "Land of Volcanoes," its landscape dotted by more than 170 awe-inspiring volcanoes, including 20 active ones. The Chaparrastique volcano (also known as San Miguel) is considered one of the most active, with 26 eruptions in the last 500 years.
Thousands of people were forced to flee their homes at its last major eruption, in December 2013. Fortunately, no lives were lost. Volcanoes such as this one are part of the natural beauty of El Salvador.
Artist' Note:
While no vegetation survives near its peak due to the frequent eruptions, fertile coffee plantations flourish on the flanks of the Chaparrastique which rises majestically into the sky.
Clay Roosters, Honduras SOLD
Acrylic, 16x16 inches unframed, gallery canvas 1.5 inches deep (no frame required)
In many parts of the world, roosters symbolize a host of qualities. For example, the rooster is one of the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac and is a symbol of honesty as well as physical and moral fortitude. It bodes fortune, fidelity and protection. Roosters are also used as a symbol in Christian tradition, for some representing a call to repentance, for others symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and the triumph of life over death.
The attributes and meaning ascribed to this bird in various countries, regions and religions vary. Throughout all the cultures, however, the most predominant attribute is that they bring luck. In Honduras, colorful clay roosters are ubiquitous souvenirs.
Artist's Note:
There is no more fun image than that of a series of roosters, all lined up, in the brightest colors possible and with their surprise-filled expressions!
Girl in Hot Pink, West Africa SOLD
Oil, 16x16 inches unframed, gallery canvas 1.5 inches deep (no frame required)
In Africa, head wraps have a practical and fashionable purpose. Wraps can be used to protect one's head from the harsh sun and can be used as hair protective styling.
They can also represent ethnicity, wealth, mourning and marital status depending on the type or color of head wrap and how it is worn. Various tribes have different head wraps they are known for, from coast to coast.
Artist's Note:
This young woman's hopeful and thoughtful expression seems to be complemented by her bright pink head wrap, which really "pops" in contrast to the background behind her.
In Africa, head wraps have a practical and fashionable purpose. Wraps can be used to protect one's head from the harsh sun and can be used as hair protective styling.
They can also represent ethnicity, wealth, mourning and marital status depending on the type or color of head wrap and how it is worn. Various tribes have different head wraps they are known for, from coast to coast.
Artist's Note:
This young woman's hopeful and thoughtful expression seems to be complemented by her bright pink head wrap, which really "pops" in contrast to the background behind her.
Fabric Sampler, West Africa SOLD
Acrylic, 11x14 inches unframed, gallery canvas 1.5 inches deep (no frame required)
African wax prints are common materials for clothing in Africa, especially West Africa. They are industrially produced colorful cotton cloths with batik-inspired printing. One feature of these materials is the lack of difference in the color intensity of the front and back sides.
These fabrics are associated with African culture because of their tribal patterns and motifs. Each design and color may reflect local traditions and symbols such as the tribe, marriage and social status of the wearer.
Some wax prints are named after personalities, cities, buildings, sayings or occasions. The producer, name of the product, and registration number of the design is printed on the selvage, thus protecting the design and attesting to the quality of the fabric.
Artist's Note:
While some African designs are highly organized, others seem random in the application of their elements. Whatever the design, the colors are often very bright.
African wax prints are common materials for clothing in Africa, especially West Africa. They are industrially produced colorful cotton cloths with batik-inspired printing. One feature of these materials is the lack of difference in the color intensity of the front and back sides.
These fabrics are associated with African culture because of their tribal patterns and motifs. Each design and color may reflect local traditions and symbols such as the tribe, marriage and social status of the wearer.
Some wax prints are named after personalities, cities, buildings, sayings or occasions. The producer, name of the product, and registration number of the design is printed on the selvage, thus protecting the design and attesting to the quality of the fabric.
Artist's Note:
While some African designs are highly organized, others seem random in the application of their elements. Whatever the design, the colors are often very bright.
Harvest Time, Pakistan SOLD
Oil, 11x14 inches unframed, gallery canvas 1.5 inches deep (no frame required)
Pakistan's largest food crop is wheat. The annual harvest starts in April, beginning in the south and moving geographically upwards along with rising temperatures. It culminates in the mountainous north before the monsoon rains set in.
The harvest is an important event for many families; it is said that this three-to-five-week activity can result in enough wheat stock to last a family for a year and enough cash to sustain them for three months. Due to the high cost of machinery, much of the harvesting is done by hand.
Artist's Note:
The rich golden color of the wheat crop with its spiky shapes is an arresting contrast with the white of the farmer's soft cotton garb and gentle hands.
Pakistan's largest food crop is wheat. The annual harvest starts in April, beginning in the south and moving geographically upwards along with rising temperatures. It culminates in the mountainous north before the monsoon rains set in.
The harvest is an important event for many families; it is said that this three-to-five-week activity can result in enough wheat stock to last a family for a year and enough cash to sustain them for three months. Due to the high cost of machinery, much of the harvesting is done by hand.
Artist's Note:
The rich golden color of the wheat crop with its spiky shapes is an arresting contrast with the white of the farmer's soft cotton garb and gentle hands.
Girl Splashing Water, The Gambia SOLD
Oil, 16x20 inches, offered framed in wood frame
The Gambia is the smallest country on mainland Africa, a strip of land roughly the size of Connecticut, split down the middle by the Gambia River.
It is characterized by ethnic diversity; in addition to the official language English, the tribal languages Mandinka, Wolof and Fula are widely spoken. And, interestingly, it is known for being home to Jufureh, the reputed ancestral village of Kunta Kinte, the main character in Alex Haley's well-known novel "Roots."
Surrounded by beautiful water and beaches, The Gambia is often regarded as West Africa's best kept secret for tourism.
Artist's Note:
Here, a little girl takes a moment to cool off by splashing water on her hands.
The Gambia is the smallest country on mainland Africa, a strip of land roughly the size of Connecticut, split down the middle by the Gambia River.
It is characterized by ethnic diversity; in addition to the official language English, the tribal languages Mandinka, Wolof and Fula are widely spoken. And, interestingly, it is known for being home to Jufureh, the reputed ancestral village of Kunta Kinte, the main character in Alex Haley's well-known novel "Roots."
Surrounded by beautiful water and beaches, The Gambia is often regarded as West Africa's best kept secret for tourism.
Artist's Note:
Here, a little girl takes a moment to cool off by splashing water on her hands.
Jarred Spices, Turkey SOLD
Oil, 18x18 inches unframed, gallery canvas 1.5 inches deep (no frame required)
Like other countries in the region, Turkey is known for its spices and herbs which include cinnamon, mint, yenibahar (made from pimento berries), cardamom, cloves, ginger, cumin, oregano, saffron, bay leaves and red pepper.
The spices are not only part of the cuisine, but part of the heritage as well. For example, the black nigella seed is one of the oldest known spices with traces of them having been found in Tutankhamen's tomb as well as in Hittite sites in Turkey that date back to the second century B.C.
Artist's Note:
I was drawn especially to the deep and varied colors of the red peppers, of which there are at least five types that differ in flavor and heat -- complemented by the bright tones of the other mouth-watering herbs and spices.
Like other countries in the region, Turkey is known for its spices and herbs which include cinnamon, mint, yenibahar (made from pimento berries), cardamom, cloves, ginger, cumin, oregano, saffron, bay leaves and red pepper.
The spices are not only part of the cuisine, but part of the heritage as well. For example, the black nigella seed is one of the oldest known spices with traces of them having been found in Tutankhamen's tomb as well as in Hittite sites in Turkey that date back to the second century B.C.
Artist's Note:
I was drawn especially to the deep and varied colors of the red peppers, of which there are at least five types that differ in flavor and heat -- complemented by the bright tones of the other mouth-watering herbs and spices.
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