The Great Cloud of Witnesses

Last year in Puerto Rico, author Mayra Santos-Fibros talked about the practice of setting out a meal for the dead. I was surprised at the practice and wasn't tempted to follow it, but it did bring to mind the Hebrews 12 reference of “being surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses.” When I mentioned this scripture to her we found common ground between her work and mine. Since then I've been wanting to paint that unseen realm. Since we have all experienced some kind of marginalization, gross misunderstandings or heartache, I wanted the central figure to reflect internationally "eclectic" features. Remembering the "great cloud of witnesses" turns my focus to the larger life and reminds me I am not alone.