(2019 series) Fine art print on 1.5” gallery wrap canvas, black border edges.

The Girl from Nkayi:

I know her only by the name of her family. Her given name is still unknown to me.

I met her on a whirlwind introduction of some of the families most in need in her small town of Nkayi. She fell somewhere in the mix of the eight children (plus one grandchild) by a number of men who had had their way with her handicapped mother over the years. A year later, her eleven year old brother died suddenly and tragically. These small facts are all I know of her.

But then I painted her.

Her portrait is to date my favorite yet, emphasized by how little control I felt I had in its portrayal. I didn’t even know her name; how could I possible capture her spirit? And all of a sudden, without intention, it happened. The stern, suspicious look she bore in the photo had melted on canvas into a settled peace and unintended near-happiness. The transformation became my prayer for her.

What lies ahead for this young girl and the countless others like her? All that remains unknown yet is known to One…

 “He makes me lie down in green pastures.

He leads me beside still waters.

    He restores my soul.”
Psalm 23: 2,3