Inspiration:
What does justice mean to me? This has been a deeply transformational journey. I've had to struggle through hate for a "justice system," feelings of bottomless despair, to find a journey of purpose and meaning in life. In that journey, I've set goals, seen growth and beauty and spent infinite hours in thought. I wanted "No More Tears" to show this.
What role does art play in your life?
Art has given me an outlet to express thoughts, goals, dreams, spiritual connection and also giving to others. Through this - art is healing. This continual healing is what inspires me to create, create, create!
Justice statement:
Justice has left me alone in a dungeon, snatched from society. I've cried until the only tears left are those puddled at my feet as I try to find purpose in life, a reason to continue. In my search I found ways to live restoratively, to help others, and this brought metamorphosis of thought to what justice is. Some thoughts seem like fantasy, others a reality . . . but as they come into one, I realize justice is about healing, growth and new beginnings.
Meet the artist: Toby Earl
In the AFTI Store:
20.5 x 24.5
acrylic on canvas, matted and framed
"Lilies reflect the connection between the spiritual and material realms. Since I was a young boy, I have been captivated by tree frogs and spent hours in the woods catching and releasing these incredible creatures. As an adult, I am reminded of the many life cycles that a tree frog experiences. As someone deeply connected to the earth, I look to the tree frog as a reminder to embrace change with grace and ease."
11 × 14
acrylic on stretched canvas
"When I was a young boy, we lived in Mobile, Alabama and I spent a lot of time near the water. The bayou, with its birds, quiet sounds, and abundant wildlife felt like home to me. Blue herons walk slowly or stand still for long periods of time when waiting to catch fish, trusting that what they need will come to them at the right time. The heron and the bayou both remind me to embrace stillness and to trust that what is meant for me will come in the right and exact perfect timing."
11 × 14
acrylic on canvas, matted and framed
"Lilies reflect the connection between the spiritual and material realms. Since I was a young boy, I have been captivated by tree frogs and spent hours in the woods catching and releasing these incredible creatures. As an adult, I am reminded of the many life cycles that a tree frog experiences. As someone deeply connected to the earth, I look to the tree frog as a reminder to embrace change with grace and ease."
11 × 14
acrylic on canvas, matted and framed
"Green Darner Dragonflies are the largest and fastest-flying dragonflies in North America. They often travel in swarms or families, and they are most often found near sources of water. Symbolically dragonflies are revered as symbols of wisdom, change, transformation, and adaptability in life. In many cultures, they are also seen as carriers of light and joy, signifying positivity and the presence of loved ones who have passed on. Reflecting on my own life's journey, I find solace in drawing inspiration from the dragonfly. Its ability to maneuver through obstacles and its unwavering resilience in the face of challenges serve as a poignant reminder that we, too, can navigate the complexities of life with grace and determination."
18 x 11
What does justice mean to me? This has been a deeply transformational journey. I've had to struggle through hate for a "justice system," feelings of bottomless despair, to find a journey of purpose and meaning in life. In that journey, I've set goals, seen growth and beauty and spent infinite hours in thought. I wanted "No More Tears" to show this.
14 x 17
This piece represents the physical-self and the spiritual-self, transforming and coming together as one. The Energy of the Yin and the Yang, the Male, and the Female, and how when we persevere on our own journey of self-enlightenment, it allows us to blossom, in the perfect time, just as the Lotus is doing in this piece. My ability to persevere today, will determine the success of my future.
14 x 17
This piece represents the Spiritual Truth that we are all connected within the same universe, cosmos, and energy field. The spirit hands are reaching through time and showing the beauty of spiritual transformation through the blossoming of the lotus. The hands are also reminding us that on a universal level we are never alone, there is always something more than what can be seen by the eye. Our own personal journey of healing establishes a deeper connection to self at a cellular level and this connection can be felt throughout the cosmos.
24 x 30
Medium: Acrylic paint
This piece came to me in a dream. It really symbolizes the cycle of life. The eagles flying in the sky symbolizes the physical, everyday moments. Their ancestors’ Spirit screams to them, and yet they do not recognize it. Thinking they are merely flying amongst the clouds. The eagle getting the fish is a continual cycle - some things dying for other things to live. We are left with the physical, spiritual, unknown (the High Silhouette) and finally the continuum of life. We truly are never alone.
29.5 x 26
Medium: Acrylic paint
This picture was painted as it reminds me of myself as a boy. There is a freedom to be found in the woods. The breeze rustles, numerous smells fill your nostrils until they seem to almost permeate your soul; birds chirp, animals chatter & yes there are always leaves crunching beneath your feet. The Wolf here seems to have found a place of refuge nestled between the trees - and in that, it almost seems to smile. While some may see it as being alone, it has found solace in all of the beauty & splendor that is Mother Nature. If not in the woods, I hope we can all seek a place that brings that internal peace.
24 x 18
Medium: Acrylic and tempera
What does justice mean to me? This has been a deeply transformational journey. I've had to struggle through hate for a "justice system," feelings of bottomless despair, to find a journey of purpose and meaning in life. In that journey, I've set goals, seen growth and beauty and spent infinite hours in thought. I wanted "No More Tears" to show this.
16 x 20
acrylic on stretched canvas
"When I was a young boy, we lived in Mobile, Alabama and I spent a lot of time near the water. The bayou, with its birds, quiet sounds, and abundant wildlife felt like home to me. Blue herons walk slowly or stand still for long periods of time when waiting to catch fish, trusting that what they need will come to them at the right time. The heron and the bayou both remind me to embrace stillness and to trust that what is meant for me will come in the right and exact perfect timing."
18 x 22
acrylic on canvas, matted and framed
"Green Darner Dragonflies are the largest and fastest-flying dragonflies in North America. They often travel in swarms or families, and they are most often found near sources of water. Symbolically dragonflies are revered as symbols of wisdom, change, transformation, and adaptability in life. In many cultures, they are also seen as carriers of light and joy, signifying positivity and the presence of loved ones who have passed on. Reflecting on my own life's journey, I find solace in drawing inspiration from the dragonfly. Its ability to maneuver through obstacles and its unwavering resilience in the face of challenges serve as a poignant reminder that we, too, can navigate the complexities of life with grace and determination."