In the last week, demonstrations have spread across the country to protest the systemic racism that lead to the death of George Floyd, and sadly, many more black men and women throughout the history of our country (Breonna Taylor, Philando Castile, Eric Garner ... to name a few). I stand with these protests, their demands for justice and with Black Lives Matter. The treatment of these protesters have continued to reveal the deep, deep problems with policing and policy in our country. I couldn’t get the images out of my mind, and so I sat with them until they ran out of my head, through ink and brush onto paper. Though these paintings are different than the daily pen drawings you are used to seeing here - they are deeply related.
For eight years I have dedicated my daily creative energies to the very simple idea that You Are A Work of Art. By drawing the strangers that fill the “background” of my life, I bring them into the foreground with the simple act of seeing them. I believe that each one of us is worthy of being seen and being transformed Into a work of art and I know that for POC, especially members of the black community, when they *are* seen they are often seen through a lens of systemic racism that casts them in a negative and dangerous light.
As my project goes into it’s ninth year, I feel more resolute than ever in my calling to share the faces of strangers with the world. I hope that when people consider these faces, they will also consider the stories behind them. Because curiosity breeds empathy and empathy breeds love. I know the solution to our racial divide is not that simple, but I also know that when we begin to see others with empathy, we feel their pain and we are moved to heal it.
I am pledging to use my creative talent, time and money to help fight for racial injustice in this country. Please consider adding your support by shopping the Uprising Fundraising Collection of tees and prints.
100% of the profits from this Fundraising Collection will go to Black Lives Matter, a global organization in the US, UK, and Canada, whose mission is to eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes. By combating and countering acts of violence, creating space for Black imagination and innovation, and centering Black joy, Black Lives Matter is winning immediate improvements for the black community.
See the Uprising Fundraising Collection and more artwork
created in response to the protests below.
(Click to shop, share and show your support!)
Thanks for reading and for your support!
Please consider shopping the Uprising Fundraising Collection and Enjoy these FREE iphone/Android wallpapers (shown below!) custom created by @drawnontheway to help you show your support for Black Lives Matter and a enjoy a daily reminder that YOU ARE A WORK OF ART!
Download these FREE iPhone/Android Wallpapers Here
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