With covid-19 in its third year, and the war in Ukraine raging, I wanted to create a series of diverse portraits that depict our collective dream for a better world. After all, when injustice and cruelty are rampant, we cannot be silent. We cannot sit back without raising our voices to demand change.
"We have always held to the hope, the belief, the conviction that there is a better life, a better world, beyond the horizon."
I decided to focus on four current issues.
- social justice
- environment
- racism and discrimination
- peace
In Dreaming of a Better World I (above), I painted an African-American woman conveying her wishes and hopes for social justice.
"Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope."
In Dreaming of a Better 
World II, I painted a teenage girl conveying her youthful optimism for a cleaner, more eco-friendly world.
"The Earth is a fine place and worth fighting for.”
In Dreaming of a Better World III, I painted a young brown man conveying his hopes for a world without racism and discrimination.
"Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilization."
In Dreaming of a Better World IV, I painted a a mature white woman conveying her hope that she would see a peaceful world before her life ends.
“It is not enough to say we must not wage war. It is necessary to love peace and sacrifice for it.”
Although I have painted “pretty” scenes that may bring pleasure to those who enjoy them, I also feel a responsibility as an artist to raise awareness of issues affecting our world. I am deeply troubled by current events and using my art to convey my concerns has proven cathartic. The more of us who take action in whatever form that takes, the better chance we have of changing things.
Check out these organizations with missions that address these four issues.
- The ACLU dares to create a more perfect union — beyond one person, party, or side. Our mission is to realize this promise of the United States Constitution for all and expand the reach of its guarantees.
- Earth Gives is a startup nonprofit for which I volunteer. It’s about building a connected community of caring people who know we must act collectively to take on the most consequential issue of our time: the climate crisis.
- Race Forward catalyzes movement building for racial justice. In partnership with communities, organizations, and sectors, it builds strategies to advance racial justice in our policies, institutions, and culture.
- Fund for Peace works to prevent war and alleviate the conditions that cause war. The Fund promotes education, research and advocacy for practical ways to promote practical solutions.