Alone but Not Alone by Thomas L.
Acrylic
Meet the artist: Thomas L.
Inspiration:
Personal Growth: Exhibiting personal growth through art
1. The skies may be windy and cold but we press on to greater things even when the seasons change.
2. Sometimes we find ourselves alone in tough times. This is what the tree represents. It is, however, still surviving and well-rooted, strong to make it through to better days.
3. The bright colors used represent hope. My hope is my faith in Christ that guides me every day and helps me carry on.
What role does art play in your life?
I love to create a world that sometimes doesn't exist quite the way you see it with the naked eye. I intentionally use brighter colors that are vivid and walkes a normal painting up to the viewer. Art allows me to express the way I would like things to be. A bit brighter, a bit more peaceful, with a whole lot of hope.
Artist statement:
Thank you for taking some time out to experience the art work of those that are incarcerated. I hope that as you walk the gallery, it will take you on a journey that is unexpected and introspective.
Those of us on the inside still have many positive things to offer society and I'm grateful for the opportunity to share a little hope through my art.
My art is influenced greatly by my walk with God. He created many beautiful things and I love to paint things the way I see them with just a little more color. The added color represents hope. Hope for the now and even more hope for the future.
Be blessed.
In the AFTI Store:
16 x 12 / 17 x 13 framed
Medium: Acrylic and tempera
My inspiration for this piece of art is my view of justice. The title is "New Day Dawning." The belief that things are changing toward a Restorative Justice viewpoint, where both victim and incarcerated can both move toward healing and peace, contradicting the views and fears of the uninformed and the media.
1. The sunrise represents a new day is breaking.
2. Lady Justice is shedding a tear, acknowledging both the hurt of victims and the incarcerated. Wanting something more but limited in her ability to enact it.
3. The Capital Building is the scale that is being held, because change flows downward, allowing programs and change to be enacted to further the healing process.
4. Justice starts with accountability but moves toward healing.
5. The scales are equal, acknowledging the fact that all parties are hurting and want change.
6. On the scale, the victim blends in and fades into the scale, representing how victims sometimes feel. Outcast and not recognized by others in society. Avoided because it's too uncomfortable to engage in conversation with them. They are hurting with hardly any way to proceed forward.
7. Hearts are breaking for both the incarcerated and the victim.
I hope this painting might resonate with you in some way. That it might spark conversation and thought. Thank you for taking the time to look at all the art pieces representing the incarcerated here in Minnesota.