“The ideas behind these paintings are varied, but many revolve around the concepts of having a voice or having that voice taken away. Some of my own personal losses were influential: my mother's passing, the letting go of plans I once had... Some of these images more universally reflect unheard voices silenced by injustice. Going far beyond loss however, these paintings also reflect my path to peace: acknowledging things I can't change, accepting there will always be truths unspoken and conflicts unresolved. With more optimism, the paintings also contain the narrative of living in the quiet spaces of love, grace, and forgiveness. They tell of finding a new voice and finding the courage to speak out, make change, and move forward with confidence and purpose.”  --JM