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visions of home lands
Solo Exhibition
to benefit Hearts & Homes for Refugees
These reflect the people, scenes and other subjects that convey
the richness of the worlds from which we all come, or those of our ancestors.
The collection was on exhibition April/May 2022 at the
White Plains Library Museum Gallery (White Plains, NY)
Some paintings remain available so feel free to peruse below.
Just click on a painting to see the suggested donation amount.
For inquiries, please go to Contact
Geisha Smile
Oil, 16x20-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep
Available for $500 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
The word "geisha" literally means "artisan".The profession of a geisha was officially recognized in the second half of the eighteenth century. Geisha are women who dedicate their lives to Japanese traditional arts and put their talents to use entertaining customers on the occasion of banquets and performances.
Originally, the geisha profession could be practiced by both men and women. Geisha must master of several types of arts, which are generally traditional Japanese dances (including those involving a fan), singing, literature, poetry, flower arranging, and the playing of traditional instruments. In addition to entertaining through the arts, geisha are also skilled in the art of conversation and must have wide general knowledge.
Geisha have long embodied the height of refinement and they are undoubtedly custodians of Japanese culture and traditions. Today, they are highly respected and their loyal customers spend large sums of money to enjoy their company, usually in ochaya, tea houses.
In the eighteenth century, numbers of geisha were in the thousands. Today there are fewer than 200 geisha. The difficult training, obligation to sacrifice their youth, inability to start a family or get married (unless you leave the profession), and lack of privacy are among some of the deterrents.
Artist's Note
Images of geisha are often somewhat serious but this woman appears to be about to share an amusing anecdote with us. A cheerful personality comes through the white face makeup, heavy silk kimono, and formal hair styling.
Available for $500 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
The word "geisha" literally means "artisan".The profession of a geisha was officially recognized in the second half of the eighteenth century. Geisha are women who dedicate their lives to Japanese traditional arts and put their talents to use entertaining customers on the occasion of banquets and performances.
Originally, the geisha profession could be practiced by both men and women. Geisha must master of several types of arts, which are generally traditional Japanese dances (including those involving a fan), singing, literature, poetry, flower arranging, and the playing of traditional instruments. In addition to entertaining through the arts, geisha are also skilled in the art of conversation and must have wide general knowledge.
Geisha have long embodied the height of refinement and they are undoubtedly custodians of Japanese culture and traditions. Today, they are highly respected and their loyal customers spend large sums of money to enjoy their company, usually in ochaya, tea houses.
In the eighteenth century, numbers of geisha were in the thousands. Today there are fewer than 200 geisha. The difficult training, obligation to sacrifice their youth, inability to start a family or get married (unless you leave the profession), and lack of privacy are among some of the deterrents.
Artist's Note
Images of geisha are often somewhat serious but this woman appears to be about to share an amusing anecdote with us. A cheerful personality comes through the white face makeup, heavy silk kimono, and formal hair styling.
Apricots in the Sun SOLD
Acrylic, 11x14-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep
$325 SOLD
Proceeds will be donated to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
Apricots are widely grown in the Hunza Valley, a mountainous valley in the northern part of the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan that borders China.
It is believed (by some) that the people who live in the Hunza Valley have unusually long life expectancy due to a largely plant-based cuisine - with specific credit given to apricots which are a staple of their diet!
Here, a sun-drying method is used; the fruit is placed in large round trays and set in the sunlight for about 6 - 9 days.
Apricots were first introduced to the New World in the early 18th century by Spanish missionaries in California, where the fruit is still grown today.
Artist’s Note
We can only imagine the aroma of the drying apricots laid out in large pans and baskets all around the women in their billowing, colorful garb.
$325 SOLD
Proceeds will be donated to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
Apricots are widely grown in the Hunza Valley, a mountainous valley in the northern part of the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan that borders China.
It is believed (by some) that the people who live in the Hunza Valley have unusually long life expectancy due to a largely plant-based cuisine - with specific credit given to apricots which are a staple of their diet!
Here, a sun-drying method is used; the fruit is placed in large round trays and set in the sunlight for about 6 - 9 days.
Apricots were first introduced to the New World in the early 18th century by Spanish missionaries in California, where the fruit is still grown today.
Artist’s Note
We can only imagine the aroma of the drying apricots laid out in large pans and baskets all around the women in their billowing, colorful garb.
Iraqi Friend SOLD
Oil, 16x20-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep
Available for $500 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
This Iraqi man sports a keffiyeh which is also known as a “kufiya”, “shemagh” or “hattah”. It is a square-shaped cotton scarf with a long and complex history.
The keffiyeh’s roots date back to Mesopotamia in 3100 BC where it was worn by the Babylonians and Sumerians. The actual word ‘keffiyeh’ has its origins in the ‘Kufa’ area of Iraq and means “from the city of Kufa''. The scarf, which is usually made from cotton, was an essential piece of clothing for the Bedouins of the desert and Fellahi people, who used it as protection from heat and sand storms.
It now goes by many names and can be found in numerous Arab countries such as Palestine, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Iraq.
Artist’s Note
There was something about this gentleman’s expression that warmed me. I imagine that he has seen a great deal in his lifetime yet continues to exude grace and humor.
Available for $500 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
This Iraqi man sports a keffiyeh which is also known as a “kufiya”, “shemagh” or “hattah”. It is a square-shaped cotton scarf with a long and complex history.
The keffiyeh’s roots date back to Mesopotamia in 3100 BC where it was worn by the Babylonians and Sumerians. The actual word ‘keffiyeh’ has its origins in the ‘Kufa’ area of Iraq and means “from the city of Kufa''. The scarf, which is usually made from cotton, was an essential piece of clothing for the Bedouins of the desert and Fellahi people, who used it as protection from heat and sand storms.
It now goes by many names and can be found in numerous Arab countries such as Palestine, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Iraq.
Artist’s Note
There was something about this gentleman’s expression that warmed me. I imagine that he has seen a great deal in his lifetime yet continues to exude grace and humor.
Hatted Peruvian Boy SOLD
Oil, 16x20-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep
Available for $500 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
The most distinctive part of boy's and men's clothing in Peru is the handwoven poncho. Nearly every Quechua man and boy has a poncho, generally red in colour decorated with intricate designs.
Each district has a distinctive pattern. In some communities such as Huilloc, Patacancha, and many villages in the Lares Valley ponchos are worn as daily attire. However most men use their ponchos on special occasions such as festivals, village meetings, weddings etc.
Artist's Note
The contemplative expression of this young man contrasts with the joyful, colorful hat and poncho he is wearing so proudly.
Available for $500 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
The most distinctive part of boy's and men's clothing in Peru is the handwoven poncho. Nearly every Quechua man and boy has a poncho, generally red in colour decorated with intricate designs.
Each district has a distinctive pattern. In some communities such as Huilloc, Patacancha, and many villages in the Lares Valley ponchos are worn as daily attire. However most men use their ponchos on special occasions such as festivals, village meetings, weddings etc.
Artist's Note
The contemplative expression of this young man contrasts with the joyful, colorful hat and poncho he is wearing so proudly.
Archway Through Time SOLD
Oil, 11x14-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep
$300
Proceeds will be donated to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
Ancient aqueducts are ubiquitous throughout Israel. These man-made water supply channels were developed throughout different eras in Israel’s history, from the
Iron age through the Hellenistic period and most notably during the Roman rule, when the systems were perfected.
Perhaps the most famous and impressive aqueduct in Israel is found near the ancient port city of Caesarea. It was constructed by Herod the Great two thousand years ago to bring extra water to the growing city from springs ten kilometers away. A second parallel aqueduct was built a few centuries later by the Romans.
The raised aqueducts with their iconic arches can be seen in a number of places today, including Apollonia and Herzliya as well as Caesarea, in remarkably good condition.
Artist’s Note
Peeking through the arches of an ancient aqueduct is akin to sharing a view with those who lived thousands of years ago. Surely those ancestors were awed by the turquoise-colored sea below a pristine blue sky, as we are.
$300
Proceeds will be donated to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
Ancient aqueducts are ubiquitous throughout Israel. These man-made water supply channels were developed throughout different eras in Israel’s history, from the
Iron age through the Hellenistic period and most notably during the Roman rule, when the systems were perfected.
Perhaps the most famous and impressive aqueduct in Israel is found near the ancient port city of Caesarea. It was constructed by Herod the Great two thousand years ago to bring extra water to the growing city from springs ten kilometers away. A second parallel aqueduct was built a few centuries later by the Romans.
The raised aqueducts with their iconic arches can be seen in a number of places today, including Apollonia and Herzliya as well as Caesarea, in remarkably good condition.
Artist’s Note
Peeking through the arches of an ancient aqueduct is akin to sharing a view with those who lived thousands of years ago. Surely those ancestors were awed by the turquoise-colored sea below a pristine blue sky, as we are.
'Xylophone' Leaves SOLD
Acrylic, 16x20-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep
$450
Proceeds will be donated to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
Orchids are the second biggest group of flowering plants, with about 28,000 species and a huge range of flower shapes and colors. The leaves also differ in terms of structure and design, and these have a unique keyboard-like design.
The word ‘orchid’ is derived from the Greek word for testicles, due to the shape of the root tubers. Thus orchids have been associated with sexuality or fertility in some cultures.
Ancient Greeks ate orchid root tubers to determine the sex of an unborn fetus. In ancient Japan, the plant symbolized bravery. The Aztecs made a potion with orchids to improve physical strength. And on it goes with different beliefs about the value and benefits of orchids. Different orchids are even the floral emblems of many countries.
Artist's Note
While most see the orchid flower as the most beautiful part of the plant, it is the leaves that endure longer and are equally arresting.
$450
Proceeds will be donated to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
Orchids are the second biggest group of flowering plants, with about 28,000 species and a huge range of flower shapes and colors. The leaves also differ in terms of structure and design, and these have a unique keyboard-like design.
The word ‘orchid’ is derived from the Greek word for testicles, due to the shape of the root tubers. Thus orchids have been associated with sexuality or fertility in some cultures.
Ancient Greeks ate orchid root tubers to determine the sex of an unborn fetus. In ancient Japan, the plant symbolized bravery. The Aztecs made a potion with orchids to improve physical strength. And on it goes with different beliefs about the value and benefits of orchids. Different orchids are even the floral emblems of many countries.
Artist's Note
While most see the orchid flower as the most beautiful part of the plant, it is the leaves that endure longer and are equally arresting.
Sweet & Crunchy SOLD
Oil, 16x16-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep
$450
Proceeds will be donated to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
The ancestors of apples as we know them today come from Kazakhstan, according to analysis of the DNA of apples. In fact, the city of Almaty, the second largest city in Kazakhastan, claimed the honor of ‘birth place of the apple’ about 100 years ago. Looking back hundreds of years, the name ‘Almaty’ was previously recorded as ‘Alma-Ata’ which translates from Kazakh as ‘Father of the Apples’.
Apples spread naturally to Syria, where the Romans picked them up and travelled along the Silk Road to bring them East. They learned to graft, and started to cultivate apples similar to the ones we know and enjoy today.
In all, believe it or not, there are 7,500 varieties of apples in existence throughout the world today, 2,500 of which are grown in the United States.
Artist's Note
There is nothing as enticing as a shiny red apple! The smooth skin reflects the light and belies the juicy flesh inside. Yum!
$450
Proceeds will be donated to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
The ancestors of apples as we know them today come from Kazakhstan, according to analysis of the DNA of apples. In fact, the city of Almaty, the second largest city in Kazakhastan, claimed the honor of ‘birth place of the apple’ about 100 years ago. Looking back hundreds of years, the name ‘Almaty’ was previously recorded as ‘Alma-Ata’ which translates from Kazakh as ‘Father of the Apples’.
Apples spread naturally to Syria, where the Romans picked them up and travelled along the Silk Road to bring them East. They learned to graft, and started to cultivate apples similar to the ones we know and enjoy today.
In all, believe it or not, there are 7,500 varieties of apples in existence throughout the world today, 2,500 of which are grown in the United States.
Artist's Note
There is nothing as enticing as a shiny red apple! The smooth skin reflects the light and belies the juicy flesh inside. Yum!
Balancing Nature
Oil, 16x20-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep
Available for $450 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
Likely from a remote rural village in India that does not have access to running water or electricity, these women are returning from a local river where they collected water for their families.
The easiest way to stop any spillage and carry the weight is to balance the pots of water on their heads. The pots are made of clay which keeps its contents cool and is used for storage as well.
The women are draped in simple cotton sarees, tied slightly shorter so they can move freely to get on with their everyday chores.
Artist's Note
We imagine that the pots of water are quite heavy, yet these women appear elegant and statuesque as they stride throught the forest. Their beautiful, brightly colored clothing stands out from the dense greenery around them.
Available for $450 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
Likely from a remote rural village in India that does not have access to running water or electricity, these women are returning from a local river where they collected water for their families.
The easiest way to stop any spillage and carry the weight is to balance the pots of water on their heads. The pots are made of clay which keeps its contents cool and is used for storage as well.
The women are draped in simple cotton sarees, tied slightly shorter so they can move freely to get on with their everyday chores.
Artist's Note
We imagine that the pots of water are quite heavy, yet these women appear elegant and statuesque as they stride throught the forest. Their beautiful, brightly colored clothing stands out from the dense greenery around them.
Graceful Burden SOLD
Oil, 18x18-inch gallery canvas 1.5 inches deep
$600
Proceeds will be donated to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
The agricultural sector in The Gambia is the most important in the country’s economy. 80% of Gambians and 38% of employed women work in agriculture.
Women in particular have been credited with critical developments in rice production technologies going back at least to the 16th century. Their knowledge and skills related to rice agriculture made Mandinka women of the Gambia River region critical to West Africa’s Upper Guinea coast - and also to life in the Americas as enslaved producers. (Mandinkan people became a large demographic represented in southeastern U.S. plantations because of their knowledge of rice cultivation.)
Rice harvesting rice is back-breaking work. Farmers move through the rice field, pulling the rice stalks together with one hand and cutting the sharp stalks at the base with a knife. They then bundle the stalks together, tie them with a length of leaf or twine, and put the bales in a basket or other receptacle to be carried away.
Artist’s Note
This woman’s straight-back stance belies the weight of the rice straw she carries. She splashes the water as she wades through, using a walking stick to maintain balance. An image of strength and beauty.
$600
Proceeds will be donated to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
The agricultural sector in The Gambia is the most important in the country’s economy. 80% of Gambians and 38% of employed women work in agriculture.
Women in particular have been credited with critical developments in rice production technologies going back at least to the 16th century. Their knowledge and skills related to rice agriculture made Mandinka women of the Gambia River region critical to West Africa’s Upper Guinea coast - and also to life in the Americas as enslaved producers. (Mandinkan people became a large demographic represented in southeastern U.S. plantations because of their knowledge of rice cultivation.)
Rice harvesting rice is back-breaking work. Farmers move through the rice field, pulling the rice stalks together with one hand and cutting the sharp stalks at the base with a knife. They then bundle the stalks together, tie them with a length of leaf or twine, and put the bales in a basket or other receptacle to be carried away.
Artist’s Note
This woman’s straight-back stance belies the weight of the rice straw she carries. She splashes the water as she wades through, using a walking stick to maintain balance. An image of strength and beauty.
Turkish Kiraz SOLD
Oil, 16x16-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep
$450
Proceeds will be donated to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
Cherries are an indispensable part of Turkish food culture and are grown in two main categories: kiraz are sweet cherries and vişne are sour. Turkey is the world’s largest cherry grower; the U.S. is the second largest.
Cherries are a summer fruit that grow in hot climates. Despite this, cherries are also very tough and durable, with some types withstanding temperatures as cold as minus 26 degrees Celsius (minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit). This makes every corner of Turkey suitable for growing cherries.
However, the best cherries in the country grow on the northern slopes of the Taurus Mountains, throughout the Aegean region and in the western part of Central Anatolia. These three areas are the most productive regions for cherry growing. In addition, provinces such as Izmir, Manisa, Isparta, Afyonkarahisar and Denizli are the leading “city” producers of cherries across Turkey. The majority of the cherries grown in these provinces are exported to countries such as Germany, the U.K., the Netherlands and Russia.
Artist’s Note
Cherries are a unique shade of red with strong hints of magenta, and are characterized by a glossy skin that glistens in the light. Unlike tomatoes that are similar in size, cherries are nearly heart-shaped which makes them even more visually interesting.
$450
Proceeds will be donated to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
Cherries are an indispensable part of Turkish food culture and are grown in two main categories: kiraz are sweet cherries and vişne are sour. Turkey is the world’s largest cherry grower; the U.S. is the second largest.
Cherries are a summer fruit that grow in hot climates. Despite this, cherries are also very tough and durable, with some types withstanding temperatures as cold as minus 26 degrees Celsius (minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit). This makes every corner of Turkey suitable for growing cherries.
However, the best cherries in the country grow on the northern slopes of the Taurus Mountains, throughout the Aegean region and in the western part of Central Anatolia. These three areas are the most productive regions for cherry growing. In addition, provinces such as Izmir, Manisa, Isparta, Afyonkarahisar and Denizli are the leading “city” producers of cherries across Turkey. The majority of the cherries grown in these provinces are exported to countries such as Germany, the U.K., the Netherlands and Russia.
Artist’s Note
Cherries are a unique shade of red with strong hints of magenta, and are characterized by a glossy skin that glistens in the light. Unlike tomatoes that are similar in size, cherries are nearly heart-shaped which makes them even more visually interesting.
Malaysian Melange SOLD
Acrylic, 16x16-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep
$500
Proceeds will be donated to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
At a Malaysian market, you might see such items as:
Wau Bulan, crescent moon-shaped kites that are a Malaysian national symbol. The kites produce a deep, humming sound, a feature that fosters the belief that the kite becomes alive once it is in the air. There are several types, each distinctive shapes and different humming sounds. They are usually designed with a floral motif and are widely found in the northeastern states of Malaysia such as Kelantan and Terengganu, especially during harvest time.
Indonesian masks come in a variety of different forms, intended to scare off evil spirits, connect with ancestors, cure sickness or to prevent natural disasters like floods, famine and drought. Javanese masks are traditionally used for dance performances, called Topeng in Indonesian. Their masks are brightly colored and may represent characters from Javanese myth or history.
Hand-woven rattan balls were traditionally used in Malaysia’s national sport which is called Sepak Takraw (also nicknamed kick volleyball). The game involves two teams of 2-4 players on a court resembling a badminton court; players are only allowed to use their feet, knees, shoulders, chest and head to touch the ball. Introduced at the 1965 Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur as a medal event, the sport now uses synthetic plastic instead of the traditional rattan.
Artist’s Note
Malaysian colors and patterns are uniquely bright and energizing, an aesthetic that carries over into many aspects of their culture.
$500
Proceeds will be donated to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
At a Malaysian market, you might see such items as:
Wau Bulan, crescent moon-shaped kites that are a Malaysian national symbol. The kites produce a deep, humming sound, a feature that fosters the belief that the kite becomes alive once it is in the air. There are several types, each distinctive shapes and different humming sounds. They are usually designed with a floral motif and are widely found in the northeastern states of Malaysia such as Kelantan and Terengganu, especially during harvest time.
Indonesian masks come in a variety of different forms, intended to scare off evil spirits, connect with ancestors, cure sickness or to prevent natural disasters like floods, famine and drought. Javanese masks are traditionally used for dance performances, called Topeng in Indonesian. Their masks are brightly colored and may represent characters from Javanese myth or history.
Hand-woven rattan balls were traditionally used in Malaysia’s national sport which is called Sepak Takraw (also nicknamed kick volleyball). The game involves two teams of 2-4 players on a court resembling a badminton court; players are only allowed to use their feet, knees, shoulders, chest and head to touch the ball. Introduced at the 1965 Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur as a medal event, the sport now uses synthetic plastic instead of the traditional rattan.
Artist’s Note
Malaysian colors and patterns are uniquely bright and energizing, an aesthetic that carries over into many aspects of their culture.
Crossing the Paddy Field SOLD
Oil, 16x16-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep
$550
Proceeds will be donated to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
More than 70% of Myanmar’s population reside in rural areas and have livelihoods that are closely connected with rice industry. Rice is grown on more than half of the country’s arable land and the country is the seventh largest producer of rice in the world today.
Until the late1960s, Myanmar was called the rice basket of Southeast Asia and was the main rice exporter. However, multiple factors caused other countries, such as Thailand, to take the lead in rice production and distribution.
In Myanmar today, rice is grown in all the three seasons of the year but primarily in the monsoon season from June to October. Production is heavily dependent on traditional methods of cultivation: human and animal power. In fact, most of the rice planting and harvesting is done by hand.
The fields are tilled when the first rains arrive – traditionally 40 days after Thingyan, the Burmese new year in early June. The plants are initially grown in nurseries and then transplanted by hand into the prepared fields. The rice is harvested in late November, then threshed and stored, ready for the mills.
Artist’s Note
Rice farming has many shapes: the horizontal land, the vertical rice plants shooting up from the watery rice paddy, the conical khamauk (the farmer’s hat) – all of which conspire to form a varied and colorful view. I can almost hear the farmer’s steps as they squish in the paddy.
$550
Proceeds will be donated to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
More than 70% of Myanmar’s population reside in rural areas and have livelihoods that are closely connected with rice industry. Rice is grown on more than half of the country’s arable land and the country is the seventh largest producer of rice in the world today.
Until the late1960s, Myanmar was called the rice basket of Southeast Asia and was the main rice exporter. However, multiple factors caused other countries, such as Thailand, to take the lead in rice production and distribution.
In Myanmar today, rice is grown in all the three seasons of the year but primarily in the monsoon season from June to October. Production is heavily dependent on traditional methods of cultivation: human and animal power. In fact, most of the rice planting and harvesting is done by hand.
The fields are tilled when the first rains arrive – traditionally 40 days after Thingyan, the Burmese new year in early June. The plants are initially grown in nurseries and then transplanted by hand into the prepared fields. The rice is harvested in late November, then threshed and stored, ready for the mills.
Artist’s Note
Rice farming has many shapes: the horizontal land, the vertical rice plants shooting up from the watery rice paddy, the conical khamauk (the farmer’s hat) – all of which conspire to form a varied and colorful view. I can almost hear the farmer’s steps as they squish in the paddy.
Amazigh Eyes SOLD
Oil, 16x20-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep
Available for $500 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
The Amazigh are an ethnic group who are indigenous to North Africa. They refer to themselves by their indigenous name, Amazigh, which means ‘free people’. However, they are known by many outsiders as Berbers – a name given to them by Romans which they reject, as it was derived from the Latin for barbarian.
In Morocco, over 80% of people identify as Amazigh. Most are Muslim and speak Arabic as well as their own language, Tamazight.
The Amazigh people are celebrated for their artistic skills including pottery, weaving, jewelry and henna art. For many artists, their work is a near-meditative process where they incorporate ‘baraka’ into their work; the concept of ‘baraka’ is deeply engrained in the culture and is translated as ‘spiritual power’ or ‘power of the saints’. This concept dates from long before their conversion to Islam and it is about keeping bad spirits at bay by using symbols, motifs and particular colors in their designs.
It is believed that henna, oleander, sandalwood and myrrh have the same effect, which is why Amazigh women sometimes apply henna designs on their skin. Their kohl eye makeup is also a creative and traditional way of gaining self-protection.
Some Amazigh women, particularly those who live in more remote mountain areas, wear head coverings called tahruyt. A tahruyt is made of two pieces of cloth, usually dark in color, that are stitched together and adorned with colorful and intricate embroidering,
tassels and/or metallic sequins.
These scarves are viewed as a form of self expression. It is thought that the practice of embroidery is related to or replaces old traditions of facial tattooing by Amazigh women.
Artist’s Note
Striking kohl-outlined eyes peering out of exquisitely adorned headwear. Makes me wonder what is on this woman’s mind…
Available for $500 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
The Amazigh are an ethnic group who are indigenous to North Africa. They refer to themselves by their indigenous name, Amazigh, which means ‘free people’. However, they are known by many outsiders as Berbers – a name given to them by Romans which they reject, as it was derived from the Latin for barbarian.
In Morocco, over 80% of people identify as Amazigh. Most are Muslim and speak Arabic as well as their own language, Tamazight.
The Amazigh people are celebrated for their artistic skills including pottery, weaving, jewelry and henna art. For many artists, their work is a near-meditative process where they incorporate ‘baraka’ into their work; the concept of ‘baraka’ is deeply engrained in the culture and is translated as ‘spiritual power’ or ‘power of the saints’. This concept dates from long before their conversion to Islam and it is about keeping bad spirits at bay by using symbols, motifs and particular colors in their designs.
It is believed that henna, oleander, sandalwood and myrrh have the same effect, which is why Amazigh women sometimes apply henna designs on their skin. Their kohl eye makeup is also a creative and traditional way of gaining self-protection.
Some Amazigh women, particularly those who live in more remote mountain areas, wear head coverings called tahruyt. A tahruyt is made of two pieces of cloth, usually dark in color, that are stitched together and adorned with colorful and intricate embroidering,
tassels and/or metallic sequins.
These scarves are viewed as a form of self expression. It is thought that the practice of embroidery is related to or replaces old traditions of facial tattooing by Amazigh women.
Artist’s Note
Striking kohl-outlined eyes peering out of exquisitely adorned headwear. Makes me wonder what is on this woman’s mind…
Afloat in a Basket SOLD
Oil, 16x20-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep
$600
Proceeds will be donated to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
The basket boats - or “thung chai” - that dot Vietnamese waters from the southern coast all the way up to Danang have become iconic there.
Coracles, as they are also called, are handwoven boats made from very young bamboo and covered in tar or resin for waterproofing. It can take a skilled artisan several days to make one basket boat.
They were originally designed to avoid a tax that the French placed on all boats. Woven baskets were not taxable even if used on the water so they were an ingenious solution!
Today, thanks to their superior engineering, coracles are still used by fishermen in Vietnam. Their round shape and light weight help them move naturally with the sea; they stay above the waves and rarely overturn. This means people can fish closer to shore in basket boats than in other vessels. Also, the boats can be pushed straight into the ocean from the beach, unlike heavy long tail boats that must enter the water through a river.
Maneuvering a basket boat takes time to master, however. Their round shape causes them to spin in circles; one controls the boat by waving an oar back and forth in an arc-like motion.
Basket boats today are a symbol of independence. Modern fishermen often work on large fishing vessels that take them away from their families for weeks at a time. Owning a basket boat allows them to make their own living, on their own terms.
In addition to their use as fishing boats, basket boats operate as lifeboats during emergencies at sea, transportation for cargo or people, and are popular for racing competitions at village festivals.
Artist’s Note
The round boat with a brightly colored rim, the sense of balance that the fisherman exudes as the boat bobs on the water, and the greenery-filled setting…taken together, all of these elements create a visually captivating scene.
$600
Proceeds will be donated to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
The basket boats - or “thung chai” - that dot Vietnamese waters from the southern coast all the way up to Danang have become iconic there.
Coracles, as they are also called, are handwoven boats made from very young bamboo and covered in tar or resin for waterproofing. It can take a skilled artisan several days to make one basket boat.
They were originally designed to avoid a tax that the French placed on all boats. Woven baskets were not taxable even if used on the water so they were an ingenious solution!
Today, thanks to their superior engineering, coracles are still used by fishermen in Vietnam. Their round shape and light weight help them move naturally with the sea; they stay above the waves and rarely overturn. This means people can fish closer to shore in basket boats than in other vessels. Also, the boats can be pushed straight into the ocean from the beach, unlike heavy long tail boats that must enter the water through a river.
Maneuvering a basket boat takes time to master, however. Their round shape causes them to spin in circles; one controls the boat by waving an oar back and forth in an arc-like motion.
Basket boats today are a symbol of independence. Modern fishermen often work on large fishing vessels that take them away from their families for weeks at a time. Owning a basket boat allows them to make their own living, on their own terms.
In addition to their use as fishing boats, basket boats operate as lifeboats during emergencies at sea, transportation for cargo or people, and are popular for racing competitions at village festivals.
Artist’s Note
The round boat with a brightly colored rim, the sense of balance that the fisherman exudes as the boat bobs on the water, and the greenery-filled setting…taken together, all of these elements create a visually captivating scene.
Pirogue on the Water SOLD
Oil, 11x14-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep
$300
Proceeds will be donated to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
Used for fishing, transportation and, more recently, tourism, the pirogue is a familiar and unique feature of the West African coast and especially Senegal where about 20,000 are in operation. Sunu gaal, meaning “our pirogue” in the Wolof language, is commonly accepted as the origin of the country’s name.
Senegal has 530 kilometers (329 miles) of coastline. Year-round, the fish caught in its waters provide up to 75 percent of the population’s animal protein intake and is the key ingredient in the national dish of ceebu jën (rice with fish). More than seven million people depend on fishing activity in West Africa, including 600,000 in Senegal.
Pirogues are entirely handmade and are painted in a color of the owner’s choice; usually green, yellow and/or red are chosen, the colors of the Senegalese flag. Decorations such as images of a religious leader, emblems of football teams, names of family members, and religious sayings are sometimes painted on for good luck.
Most fishermen pay a marabout, or religious leader, to bless the boat before using it for the first time.
Artist’s Note
The colors and design patterns of pirogues are distinctive, easily recognized by those who are familiar with life in Senegal. Their reflection in the moving water is almost as beautiful as the designs on the boat itself!
$300
Proceeds will be donated to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
Used for fishing, transportation and, more recently, tourism, the pirogue is a familiar and unique feature of the West African coast and especially Senegal where about 20,000 are in operation. Sunu gaal, meaning “our pirogue” in the Wolof language, is commonly accepted as the origin of the country’s name.
Senegal has 530 kilometers (329 miles) of coastline. Year-round, the fish caught in its waters provide up to 75 percent of the population’s animal protein intake and is the key ingredient in the national dish of ceebu jën (rice with fish). More than seven million people depend on fishing activity in West Africa, including 600,000 in Senegal.
Pirogues are entirely handmade and are painted in a color of the owner’s choice; usually green, yellow and/or red are chosen, the colors of the Senegalese flag. Decorations such as images of a religious leader, emblems of football teams, names of family members, and religious sayings are sometimes painted on for good luck.
Most fishermen pay a marabout, or religious leader, to bless the boat before using it for the first time.
Artist’s Note
The colors and design patterns of pirogues are distinctive, easily recognized by those who are familiar with life in Senegal. Their reflection in the moving water is almost as beautiful as the designs on the boat itself!
Eggplant Medley SOLD
Oil, 11x14-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep
$250
Proceeds will be donated to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
Known as aubergine in France and England, the eggplant is a member of the Solanaceae family, which includes such other nightshades as potatoes and tomatoes. As with tomatoes, it might be more properly called a fruit.
They exist in colors ranging from off-white to streaky pink to blackish purple and some are the size, shape, and color of eggs, leading them to be called “garden eggs” in Africa. Thus, the name “eggplant”.
Eggplant is native to India, where it has been cultivated for 4000 years. Arab traders brought the eggplant to Europe and Africa around 1400. It was introduced into the U.S. by Thomas Jefferson, who either got the seeds from France or from slaves recently arrived from Africa and who did all the actual gardening at Monticello. Jefferson experimented with eggplant, and his 1812 journal lists both purple and white eggplants among other crops. It wasn’t until immigrants from the Middle East and Italy brought their recipes for eggplant to America late in the 19th century that it became popular, however.
Artist’s Note
The colors of eggplants are so well admired that some paint companies actually name a beautiful, rich purple paint product “eggplant”! The vegetable’s varied colors and glossy are visually - and tactually - compelling. (And don’t we all love a delicious eggplant parmigiana?!)
$250
Proceeds will be donated to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
Known as aubergine in France and England, the eggplant is a member of the Solanaceae family, which includes such other nightshades as potatoes and tomatoes. As with tomatoes, it might be more properly called a fruit.
They exist in colors ranging from off-white to streaky pink to blackish purple and some are the size, shape, and color of eggs, leading them to be called “garden eggs” in Africa. Thus, the name “eggplant”.
Eggplant is native to India, where it has been cultivated for 4000 years. Arab traders brought the eggplant to Europe and Africa around 1400. It was introduced into the U.S. by Thomas Jefferson, who either got the seeds from France or from slaves recently arrived from Africa and who did all the actual gardening at Monticello. Jefferson experimented with eggplant, and his 1812 journal lists both purple and white eggplants among other crops. It wasn’t until immigrants from the Middle East and Italy brought their recipes for eggplant to America late in the 19th century that it became popular, however.
Artist’s Note
The colors of eggplants are so well admired that some paint companies actually name a beautiful, rich purple paint product “eggplant”! The vegetable’s varied colors and glossy are visually - and tactually - compelling. (And don’t we all love a delicious eggplant parmigiana?!)
Mountains of Salt SOLD
Oil, 16x16 inch gallery canvas 1.5 inches deep
$450
Proceeds will be donated to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
Incredible salt formations can be seen in the south, southwest, and central areas of Iran but the best examples are found in the Zagros mountains that run parallel to Iran’s coast on the Persian Gulf.
The origin of these salt mounds goes back millions of years when the Persian Gulf was a larger body of water. Much of the Gulf evaporated and left behind vast quantities of salt. Over time, sediment covered the salt, the weight of which caused the salt to rise, squeezing to the surface like a tube of toothpaste.
The mountains formed when the Arabian Plate collided with the Eurasian Plate leaving lots of ridges and faults for salt diapirs (piercement structures) to form.
The mounds are so unique that the area is being considered for inclusion by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
In the southern part of the Zagros Mountains alone, there are more than 130 salt domes plus there are salt caves, salt waterfalls, salt glaciers, salt valleys, bedrock sinkholes, and salt springs.
Artist’s Note
The salt and mountain formations appear spectacularly against the sky, displaying the naturally-formed colors so brightly.
$450
Proceeds will be donated to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
Incredible salt formations can be seen in the south, southwest, and central areas of Iran but the best examples are found in the Zagros mountains that run parallel to Iran’s coast on the Persian Gulf.
The origin of these salt mounds goes back millions of years when the Persian Gulf was a larger body of water. Much of the Gulf evaporated and left behind vast quantities of salt. Over time, sediment covered the salt, the weight of which caused the salt to rise, squeezing to the surface like a tube of toothpaste.
The mountains formed when the Arabian Plate collided with the Eurasian Plate leaving lots of ridges and faults for salt diapirs (piercement structures) to form.
The mounds are so unique that the area is being considered for inclusion by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
In the southern part of the Zagros Mountains alone, there are more than 130 salt domes plus there are salt caves, salt waterfalls, salt glaciers, salt valleys, bedrock sinkholes, and salt springs.
Artist’s Note
The salt and mountain formations appear spectacularly against the sky, displaying the naturally-formed colors so brightly.
Heirlooms of Many Colors SOLD
Oil, 16x20-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep
$500
Proceeds will be donated to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
The term "heirloom" tomato often refers to a species with pure genetics — a "parent" species that is not the product of hybridization. These are open-pollinated tomatoes, meaning that they're pollinated by physical transmission of pollen from one flower to the next, either by hand, wind, or insects.
Several organizations are largely responsible for preserving heirloom varieties, and many varieties are now offered for sale by seed companies.
There's an increasing amount of interest in heirloom tomatoes due to their unusual appearance; also they can be more flavorful than hybrid tomatoes which have been selectively bred to have bright red color, a long shelf life, and a predictable taste.
Heirlooms can be red, black, purple, brown, yellow, pink, or white, and some are even bicolored and striped.
Tomatoes were native to Mexico and Central America. They were introduced to Spain in the 1500s and spread to Portugal, Italy and Europe. In the 1800s, they became common in the U.S.
Artist’s Note:
The rich, deep colors of these heirloom tomatoes are unusual in that they are typically associated with other fruit or vegetables such as eggplants or peppers. To me, they are visually delicious!
$500
Proceeds will be donated to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
The term "heirloom" tomato often refers to a species with pure genetics — a "parent" species that is not the product of hybridization. These are open-pollinated tomatoes, meaning that they're pollinated by physical transmission of pollen from one flower to the next, either by hand, wind, or insects.
Several organizations are largely responsible for preserving heirloom varieties, and many varieties are now offered for sale by seed companies.
There's an increasing amount of interest in heirloom tomatoes due to their unusual appearance; also they can be more flavorful than hybrid tomatoes which have been selectively bred to have bright red color, a long shelf life, and a predictable taste.
Heirlooms can be red, black, purple, brown, yellow, pink, or white, and some are even bicolored and striped.
Tomatoes were native to Mexico and Central America. They were introduced to Spain in the 1500s and spread to Portugal, Italy and Europe. In the 1800s, they became common in the U.S.
Artist’s Note:
The rich, deep colors of these heirloom tomatoes are unusual in that they are typically associated with other fruit or vegetables such as eggplants or peppers. To me, they are visually delicious!
Tumbling Peaches
Oil on canvas, 22x28 inches, 2019, framed
Available for $500 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
Peaches originated in China. Considered the favorite fruit of emperors, peaches were first mentioned in Chinese writings dating back to the 10th century.
From China, the “Persian apple,” the translated Latin name, was introduced to the Romans by the Persians (now Iranians) and later introduced to Europe by Alexander the Great.
Spanish explorers are credited with bringing the peach to South America and then eventually to England and France where it became quite a popular, but rare, treat. During Queen Victoria’s reign, it is written that no meal was complete without a fresh peach presented in a fancy cotton napkin.
Finally in the early 17th century George Minifie, a horticulturist from England, brought the first peaches to the New World colonies, planting them at his estate in Virginia. Early American Indian tribes took seeds with them and planted them as they traveled throughout the United States.
In the 19th century, commercial peach production began in Maryland, Delaware, Georgia and Virginia. Today, peaches are grown commercially in California, Washington state, South Carolina, Georgia and Missouri.
Artist’s Note
The coloration of peaches is so visually interesting; the colors do not blend together so much as they smudge alongside one another. The color variations - from bright yellow to very dark reds – might be jarring if they were not softened by the peach’s fuzzy texture.
Available for $500 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
Peaches originated in China. Considered the favorite fruit of emperors, peaches were first mentioned in Chinese writings dating back to the 10th century.
From China, the “Persian apple,” the translated Latin name, was introduced to the Romans by the Persians (now Iranians) and later introduced to Europe by Alexander the Great.
Spanish explorers are credited with bringing the peach to South America and then eventually to England and France where it became quite a popular, but rare, treat. During Queen Victoria’s reign, it is written that no meal was complete without a fresh peach presented in a fancy cotton napkin.
Finally in the early 17th century George Minifie, a horticulturist from England, brought the first peaches to the New World colonies, planting them at his estate in Virginia. Early American Indian tribes took seeds with them and planted them as they traveled throughout the United States.
In the 19th century, commercial peach production began in Maryland, Delaware, Georgia and Virginia. Today, peaches are grown commercially in California, Washington state, South Carolina, Georgia and Missouri.
Artist’s Note
The coloration of peaches is so visually interesting; the colors do not blend together so much as they smudge alongside one another. The color variations - from bright yellow to very dark reds – might be jarring if they were not softened by the peach’s fuzzy texture.
The Student SOLD
Oil, 16x20-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep
$650
Proceeds will be donated to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
Women and girls were banned from schools and universities under Taliban rule between 1996 and 2001. After the Taliban were removed from power in 2001, progress was made in improving Afghanistan's education enrollment and literacy rates especially for girls and women.
Reports by UNESCO said that the number of girls in primary school then increased from almost zero to 2.5 million in the 17 years after Taliban control, and that the rate of female literacy nearly doubled -- to just 30%.
However, upon the Taliban’s return to power following the 2021 withdrawal of US troops, it was announced that Afghan universities will be segregated by gender, a new dress code will be introduced, and the subjects to be taught were under review. The Taliban's new government also replaced the Women's Affairs Ministry with the Ministry of Vice and Virtue.
Government data suggests a third of girls are married by the age of 18 and nearly 9% by age 15. The rights of girls and women to an education are clearly again at risk.
Artist’s Note
This student’s colorful clothing and her expression convey the spark of hope, which we share for her and many others.
$650
Proceeds will be donated to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
Women and girls were banned from schools and universities under Taliban rule between 1996 and 2001. After the Taliban were removed from power in 2001, progress was made in improving Afghanistan's education enrollment and literacy rates especially for girls and women.
Reports by UNESCO said that the number of girls in primary school then increased from almost zero to 2.5 million in the 17 years after Taliban control, and that the rate of female literacy nearly doubled -- to just 30%.
However, upon the Taliban’s return to power following the 2021 withdrawal of US troops, it was announced that Afghan universities will be segregated by gender, a new dress code will be introduced, and the subjects to be taught were under review. The Taliban's new government also replaced the Women's Affairs Ministry with the Ministry of Vice and Virtue.
Government data suggests a third of girls are married by the age of 18 and nearly 9% by age 15. The rights of girls and women to an education are clearly again at risk.
Artist’s Note
This student’s colorful clothing and her expression convey the spark of hope, which we share for her and many others.
Tlingit Totems SOLD
Acrylic, 11x14-inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep
$250
Proceeds will be donated to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
Totem poles are monumental carvings on poles, posts or pillars representing symbols and/or figures. They are usually made from large trees, mostly western red cedar, by First Nations and indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest coast including northern Northwest Coast Haida, Tlingit, and Tsimshian communities in Southeast Alaska and British Columbia, Kwakwaka'wakw and Nuu-chah-nulth communities in southern British Columbia, and the Coast Salish communities in Washington and British Columbia.
In general, the carvings commemorate ancestors, cultural beliefs that recount familiar legends, clan lineages, or notable events. The poles may also serve as functional architectural features, welcome signs for village visitors, or mortuary vessels for the remains of deceased ancestors.
The totem poles depicted here are representative of those at a park near the Teslin Tlingit Heritage Center in Canada, a museum for visitors and a place for the Tlingit to gather and preserve their culture. The poles depict the five main clans of the Tlingit - the wolf, the raven, the eagle, the frog and the beaver.
Artist's Note
The imposing nature of totem poles – tall structures depicting beings that seem to look right at you – are compelling to all who view them. It was fun to heighten the color of these poles to emphasize their visual impact.
$250
Proceeds will be donated to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
Totem poles are monumental carvings on poles, posts or pillars representing symbols and/or figures. They are usually made from large trees, mostly western red cedar, by First Nations and indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest coast including northern Northwest Coast Haida, Tlingit, and Tsimshian communities in Southeast Alaska and British Columbia, Kwakwaka'wakw and Nuu-chah-nulth communities in southern British Columbia, and the Coast Salish communities in Washington and British Columbia.
In general, the carvings commemorate ancestors, cultural beliefs that recount familiar legends, clan lineages, or notable events. The poles may also serve as functional architectural features, welcome signs for village visitors, or mortuary vessels for the remains of deceased ancestors.
The totem poles depicted here are representative of those at a park near the Teslin Tlingit Heritage Center in Canada, a museum for visitors and a place for the Tlingit to gather and preserve their culture. The poles depict the five main clans of the Tlingit - the wolf, the raven, the eagle, the frog and the beaver.
Artist's Note
The imposing nature of totem poles – tall structures depicting beings that seem to look right at you – are compelling to all who view them. It was fun to heighten the color of these poles to emphasize their visual impact.
Heirloom Tomatoes SOLD
Oil, 16x16-inch gallery canvas 1.5 inches deep
SOLD
The tomato is native to Mexico and Central America where it was cultivated by the Aztecs and Incas as early as 700 AD. It was introduced to Spain in the 1500s by the conquistadors and spread to Portugal, Italy and Europe. In the 1800s, the tomato became a staple in the U.S.
After World War II, new highway and railroad systems led to the ability to ship produce great distances. But tomatoes were fragile, so programs were implemented to breed them of uniform size and shape, with a thicker skin to withstand shipping. The goals were expanded over time to develop a brighter red color, offer more varieties, and resist diseases and pests. Flavor was diminished in the process, and so interest arose in reviving the tasty old varieties. (In fact, 80% of the varieties available in 1910 are now extinct.)
Seed companies began growing “heirloom” seeds for specialty catalogues and small farmers began growing them for local markets. To this day, each wave of new immigrants to the U.S. brings their favorite seeds adding to the expanding collection of traditional varieties grown by Native Americans, Mennonites, and Amish.
Recently, there have been imports of heirlooms from Russia, Germany, Italy, France, and Czechoslovakia. There are new “finds” each year.
Artist’s Note:
The shapes of heirloom tomatoes are not beautiful per se but are visually compelling as are the blended colors (purple, green, yellow, orange and red) of their odd-shaped bodies. To reflect the tomatoes’ Mexican or South American origins, I painted them on an imaginary hand-painted ceramic plate using traditional colors and patterns of that region.
SOLD
The tomato is native to Mexico and Central America where it was cultivated by the Aztecs and Incas as early as 700 AD. It was introduced to Spain in the 1500s by the conquistadors and spread to Portugal, Italy and Europe. In the 1800s, the tomato became a staple in the U.S.
After World War II, new highway and railroad systems led to the ability to ship produce great distances. But tomatoes were fragile, so programs were implemented to breed them of uniform size and shape, with a thicker skin to withstand shipping. The goals were expanded over time to develop a brighter red color, offer more varieties, and resist diseases and pests. Flavor was diminished in the process, and so interest arose in reviving the tasty old varieties. (In fact, 80% of the varieties available in 1910 are now extinct.)
Seed companies began growing “heirloom” seeds for specialty catalogues and small farmers began growing them for local markets. To this day, each wave of new immigrants to the U.S. brings their favorite seeds adding to the expanding collection of traditional varieties grown by Native Americans, Mennonites, and Amish.
Recently, there have been imports of heirlooms from Russia, Germany, Italy, France, and Czechoslovakia. There are new “finds” each year.
Artist’s Note:
The shapes of heirloom tomatoes are not beautiful per se but are visually compelling as are the blended colors (purple, green, yellow, orange and red) of their odd-shaped bodies. To reflect the tomatoes’ Mexican or South American origins, I painted them on an imaginary hand-painted ceramic plate using traditional colors and patterns of that region.
Beach Respite SOLD
Oil on canvas, 12x16 inches, framed
$275 including frame
Proceeds will be donated to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
Nicaragua, set between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, is a Central American nation known for its dramatic terrain of lakes, volcanoes and beaches.
Vast Lake Managua and the iconic stratovolcano Momotombo sit north of the capital Managua. To its south is Granada, noted for its Spanish colonial architecture and an archipelago of navigable islets rich in tropical bird life.
With its 910 miles of coastline, Nicaraguan beaches are plentiful and beautiful.
Artist's Note
The cool-looking, lush green hills behind this hot sandy beach on a sunny day makes for an intriguing combination of color - and temperature!
$275 including frame
Proceeds will be donated to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
Nicaragua, set between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, is a Central American nation known for its dramatic terrain of lakes, volcanoes and beaches.
Vast Lake Managua and the iconic stratovolcano Momotombo sit north of the capital Managua. To its south is Granada, noted for its Spanish colonial architecture and an archipelago of navigable islets rich in tropical bird life.
With its 910 miles of coastline, Nicaraguan beaches are plentiful and beautiful.
Artist's Note
The cool-looking, lush green hills behind this hot sandy beach on a sunny day makes for an intriguing combination of color - and temperature!
Rasta Mon
Oil, 16x16 inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep
Available for $450 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
Rastafari, also known as Rastafarianism, is classified as both a religion and a social movement by religious scholars. It developed in Jamaica during the 1930s and its beliefs are based on a specific interpretation of the Bible. At its core is the belief in a single God referred to as Jah, who is deemed to partially reside within each individual.
Rastafari “livity,” a principle of balanced lifestyle, includes the wearing of long hair locked in its natural, uncombed state, dressing in the colors of red, green, gold, and black (which symbolize the life force of blood, herbs, royalty, and Africanness), and eating an “I-tal” (natural, vegetarian) diet.
Ethiopia is considered the seat of Jah, and repatriation is one goal of the movement. Some Rastas believe that the Ethiopian emperor, His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I, crowned in 1930, is the Second Coming of Christ who returned to redeem all Black people. The movement takes its name from the emperor’s pre-coronation name, Ras Tafari.
Religious rituals include prayer services, the smoking of ganja (marijuana) to achieve better “itation” (meditation) with Jah, and “bingis” (all-night drumming ceremonies). Reggae music grew out of the Rastafari movement in the 1960s and 1970s, and was made popular worldwide by the Jamaican singer and songwriter Bob Marley.
There are an estimated 700,000 to 1,000,000 Rastas across the world. While the largest population is in Jamaica, small communities can be found in most of the world's major population centers.
Artist’s Note
The bright Rasta colors belie the calm of this man. His expression seems to be inviting us to an open conversation about his beliefs and yours.
Available for $450 donation to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
Rastafari, also known as Rastafarianism, is classified as both a religion and a social movement by religious scholars. It developed in Jamaica during the 1930s and its beliefs are based on a specific interpretation of the Bible. At its core is the belief in a single God referred to as Jah, who is deemed to partially reside within each individual.
Rastafari “livity,” a principle of balanced lifestyle, includes the wearing of long hair locked in its natural, uncombed state, dressing in the colors of red, green, gold, and black (which symbolize the life force of blood, herbs, royalty, and Africanness), and eating an “I-tal” (natural, vegetarian) diet.
Ethiopia is considered the seat of Jah, and repatriation is one goal of the movement. Some Rastas believe that the Ethiopian emperor, His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I, crowned in 1930, is the Second Coming of Christ who returned to redeem all Black people. The movement takes its name from the emperor’s pre-coronation name, Ras Tafari.
Religious rituals include prayer services, the smoking of ganja (marijuana) to achieve better “itation” (meditation) with Jah, and “bingis” (all-night drumming ceremonies). Reggae music grew out of the Rastafari movement in the 1960s and 1970s, and was made popular worldwide by the Jamaican singer and songwriter Bob Marley.
There are an estimated 700,000 to 1,000,000 Rastas across the world. While the largest population is in Jamaica, small communities can be found in most of the world's major population centers.
Artist’s Note
The bright Rasta colors belie the calm of this man. His expression seems to be inviting us to an open conversation about his beliefs and yours.
Grand Entrance SOLD
Oil, 16x16 inch gallery canvas, 1.5 inches deep
$550
Proceeds will be donated to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
Rajasthan, a state in northern India, is home to numerous grand palaces and a destination for many location weddings and events. In fact, a number of the Palaces are now run as hotels by the Royal families who reside in a small part of them.
The women entering the palatial entrance are wearing traditional brightly colored clothing called ghagra (the full length pleated skirt) and choli (the blouse). They are each also wearing a dupatta (a stole or long scarf) that drapes around their bodies and covers their heads.
If we were closer to the women, we might see mirror work embellishment and/or embroidery on their ghagra and choli.
Artist's Note
The women's brightly colored clothing cheerfully contrast with the darkened entryway to the palace they are entering.
$550
Proceeds will be donated to Hearts & Homes for Refugees
Rajasthan, a state in northern India, is home to numerous grand palaces and a destination for many location weddings and events. In fact, a number of the Palaces are now run as hotels by the Royal families who reside in a small part of them.
The women entering the palatial entrance are wearing traditional brightly colored clothing called ghagra (the full length pleated skirt) and choli (the blouse). They are each also wearing a dupatta (a stole or long scarf) that drapes around their bodies and covers their heads.
If we were closer to the women, we might see mirror work embellishment and/or embroidery on their ghagra and choli.
Artist's Note
The women's brightly colored clothing cheerfully contrast with the darkened entryway to the palace they are entering.
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