Real Royalty

“And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther, 4 :14)
“But then you go out and forget your divine origin.” (James 1 : 24)
This series explores the concept of royalty not as a political idea but as a spiritual and philosophical truth. It begins with the belief that royal positions for each and every one of us have been prepared. We are called to royalty by being invited to be the children of the Most High, the King of Kings, God. We are royalty because we were created by God.
The thought process behind the paintings explores new and broader meanings of what it means to be royal. It means, among other things, being elevated but also being trusted. Power comes with responsibility, and so often we as human beings, fail to deal responsibly and lovingly with the power we are given.
The concept of royalty is explored through visual elements such as bold colors, the recurring motif of the circle and the gaze of the portrayed subjects. The bold and striking color palette symbolizes that real royalty is not something that fades into the background, it cannot be ignored. It commands attention, captivates the eye, and draws the viewer into its essence. The recurring motif of the circle represents harmony, completeness, and eternity. The circle in its unbroken form also symbolizes unity and the cyclical nature of leadership: the continuous giving and receiving of care and responsibility. The direct gaze of the subjects breaks the barrier between the artwork and the beholder. True leaders see people. Under the gaze of a true leader individuals feel recognized and encouraged to evolve.
Real royalty is not meant for self-glorification; rather it is a platform to empower others to discover and embrace their own freedom. From our royal position we should not remain silent but we should be loud about the cruel injustice of this world. So often the reality of this broken earth clouds the vision of our true origin and makes it seem impossible to live accordingly. But sometimes you can see the royal shimmer through all the dust and the hurt of this world. I see shimmers of royalty every time someone speaks up for another person or every time kind and genuine words are spoken. Royalty is not always grand in its appearance. Royalty is broken down into many tiny, achievable pieces found and put together in the ordinary of everyday life. And when things are overwhelming, seem to be never ending, too big for me, this series was painted as a reminder that I was made for a time like this. We were made for a time like this