September 27

How can I tell that the image from 2019 is not the completed painting? For one thing, the light is missing from the bee’s eye.

During the Center for Action and Contemplation’s Conspire Retreat, Mirabai Starr invited retreat participants to “scoop the light into your eyes” as she chanted a prayer in front of the candles.

The ritual caught my breath.

2014

2015

2018

2019

This is not the completed version of this painting, rather a step along the way in its becoming.

2020

“Healing from white-body supremacy begins with the body—your body. But it doesn’t end there. In order to heal the collective body that is America, we also need social activism that is body centered. We cannot individualize our way out of white-body supremacy. Nor can we merely strategize our way out. We need collective action—action that heals. (p. 237) At its best, activism is a form of healing. It is about what we do and how we show up in the world. It is about learning and expressing regard, compassion, and love.” (p. 244) —Resmaa Menakem, *My Grandmother’s Hands*

“Seven Years of Wonder” is a daily look back at my creative journaling posts since 2014. I began this journey on Feb. 11, 2021, and hope to continue through Feb. 10, 2022. What am I learning about my art and faith journey thus far? What has remained constant? Where have I been changed? How is this impacting present and future art-making?

A deep bow of gratitude to you for keeping me company on this journey.