The Resistance

10x10”

Acrylic on canvas.

I’m starting this year off with something new I’ve never done before… a hand, not just any hand… an orangutan hand. Also new to me: finger prints. It’s been way harder than I anticipated as I’ve worked away on this piece for a couple months now.

Despite the smaller canvas size, this painting took just as long to complete as one of my bigger ones! I shouldn’t be surprised given I’ve never painted something like this before. 

Why orangutans? Why a clenched fist? It may seem quite random that I felt so passionate about bringing this painting to life, so let me explain more of the inspiration process:

When I first saw the photo this painting is based on, something deep within my soul resonated with it. Big picture level: it represents making a change and doing something counterintuitive. Doing something that matters. That theme has taken over my entire mindset for this coming year, and so this clenched fist has come to represent the changes I want to make and the stand I’m going to take for what’s important to me; personally, professionally, and also globally.

Enter in: The Resistance. It’s symbolic on a professional level for me of resisting pursuing bold and exciting endeavours. At this point in my career there’s an unspoken pressure to make more money and become more successful. I’m working on doing the opposite; because more important for me is the kind of wife and mom I am when I’m not in front of a canvas.

For me, It’s about pursuing wisdom and timing and being patient. It’s about taking time to craft my skills and hone-in on why I’m painting and what exactly I’m trying to communicate in each piece. 

It’s about going against the current. Doing something unexpected and uncomfortable. 

On a heart level this painting represents the ones without a voice. Animals being abused, mistreated, and killed. Resisting the evil in this world that preys on the vulnerable. Standing up for those that can’t stand up for themselves. Raising awareness of endangered populations and all kinds of organisations working hard to protect and rescue the voiceless. The endangered. 

On that note, a portion of the sale of this piece as well as any future prints of it will be donated to @theorangutanproject and @centerforgreatapes to help save this critically endangered species. I’m hoping to raise awareness and more funds for these kinds of organisations doing good in the world; (beyond what little I can personally contribute), through my work.

Reference photo credit purchased from RT Photography @bytazi Thank you!🙏🏻