It was upon observing the nature of my children that I was struck again by the commonality of the human condition. All children play. All of us begin as children. Even Saddam Hussein, depicted in the media as the epitome of evil, played out in the sun when he was a child. This piece is possibly one of the most important of the group given his final execution. We can no longer reach or be reached by him. He has become an example of the ebb and flow of all life. Hence the green in his hair – the color of new life. Then also the white background shining through the eye sockets – a symbol of the source that he has returned to. Throughout this piece there are words connecting him to greater humanity for it is within us all to become leaders for good or for ill.

Few have the resolve of Mahatma Gandhi. His is a common image worldwide and in this collection it is one that holds out the positive in clear language for all to see. Words like joy, freedom, and peace encourage us, while the white stone city represents Gandhi’s beloved India and his hope for it. The night sky is as sad as his assassination but it does not overpower the strength of his cause, the city, nor the man himself, strong in the forefront.

Represented thus far is the human potential to become dictator and martyr. In Fidel Castro is highlighted the power of a single person to instigate huge change in his world. Although there are other revolutionaries to choose from, Fidel Castro has been chosen because of his success in maintaining his leadership against incredible odds (638 assassination attempts no less) and because he is passionate about social justice. This excerpt from his famous defense speech when on trial for militant activity defines the term revolutionary.

I warn you, I am just beginning! If there is in your hearts a vestige of love for your country, love for humanity, love for justice, listen carefully… I know that the regime will try to suppress the truth by all possible means, I know that there will be a conspiracy to bury me in oblivion. But my voice will not be stifled – it will rise from my breast even when I feel most alone, and my heart will give it all the fire that callous cowards deny it … Condemn me. It does not matter. History will absolve me.

Castro is a living example of vision becoming reality. He went on to lead the overthrow of Fulgencio Batista and become Prime Minister of Cuba. This portrait embodies the amazing potential within each of us to manifest change in our world. The language within this image is straightforward and is meant to give some detail of the revolutionary’s life. The colors blue and white however, were a choice made to avoid communist red (Castro openly denied being a communist), and/or the red of bloody revolution. For though blood was shed throughout Castro’s revolution, this portrait is about the determination of the human spirit.

A  statue so glorious and much bigger than he that was the buddha.  Yet not bigger than his teachings.  Peace, Love, growth of the third eye, and realization of our own unending…these are some of the words expressing the trust and gratitude that shape this background.  The surface mind fills the sky busy with detail but under it all sits the  stillness of the meditative mind.

This portrait represents humanity’s greatest strength and weakness – our ability to organize under one banner for good or ill. This is meant to be a powerful piece with the obvious use of red symbolizing blood shed on the cross as well as blood spilled over the centuries by the Church. The white of the robe is not only accurate as papal dress but also meant to differentiate the pope from the history of his station. Every pope starts afresh and we hope with pure intent. John Paul II was chosen for the sadness of his expression and because his role was a positive one that began and finished this century.

Beatified by Pope John Paul II, Mother Teresa has become Blessed Teresa of Calcutta. This portrait is the most optimistic thus far and without reservation communicates the possibility for a world that recognizes the connection of all people. Words such as hope, universal truth, and joy link the portrait together while the image of paper cut-out children symbolizes not only the children Mother Teresa taught and cared for but also the 123 countries touched by her organization. Far reaching was her service and as the title of one book about her states, Mother Teresa was and her organization still is “Something Beautiful for God”. This portrait shows only a small portion of Mother Teresa’s face for a reason – she became something so much bigger than her small frame could contain. This piece is an image of what we are at our best and although not all of us are meant to live such a life, still we can be of service everyday in the way we consciously step out into the world.