Justice Painting

Justice is the morally appropriate and right state of everything. To have justice as a person's character trait means that they are just and treat everyone the same, or how they would like to be treated. Google Definition When day comes we ask ourselves, where can we find light in this never-ending shade? The loss we carry, a sea we must wade. We've braved the belly of the beast, We've learned that quiet isn't always peace, and the norms and notions of what just is isn't always just-ice. Amanda Gorman I spent the last four to five months painting this beautiful bull elk. I mostly listen to music while I paint, but I flip the channel to listen to the news in the late afternoon. This elk expresses how I feel about this last year or two. Most of you probably don't know that I majored in political science in college. My dad is a former US Congressman, and many years ago, I worked in Washington DC. I was lucky enough to attend the inaugurations of Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton. I also had the pleasure of meeting Nancy Reagan, Barbara Bush, and Hillary Clinton. As a side note, I actually sat behind Donald Trump at Bill Clinton's inauguration. It seems like a lifetime ago. I try not to get political with my posts because I understand we all have different views and beliefs, which is what this country is built upon. As I listened to the Inaugural Ceremony of our 46th President, I was taken by the overriding theme of JUSTICE moving forward. Let us all not forget that the last words of our Pledge of Allegiance call for "liberty and justice for all." To me, this beautiful bull elk symbolizes our country's strength and the cry to move forward stronger, united, and with more justice. The bull elk is the king of his domain. He has a few predators, but he has little to worry about when he is strongest and in his prime. Elk live in groups and are rarely seen alone. Haven't we all learned the importance of community? As much we need other people, we need to treat our neighbors as we would like to be treated. After the craziness in our country over the last year, it is time to get back to the core of how things are supposed to be and find a sense of justice for all of us. We can then move forward, perhaps with eyes a little bit wider than before, and make sure we are all part of a common unity. The photo reference for this painting was supplied by the amazingly talented Danny Griesmer. Find his work at DGNorthWestPhoto.