Patricia Qualls' work titled, "Zelenskyy's Courage: Putin's Cruelty," is a powerful tribute to the resilience and bravery of the Ukrainian people in the face of adversity. The painting was born out of visceral emotions that Patricia, like so many of us, felt as she watched the news unfold about Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The sheer brutality of the situation, fueled by the unchecked thirst for power of a dictatorship, left her both deeply saddened and angry.
With such visceral emotions running through her she knew exactly what she needed to do. She retreated to her Sanctuary and poured her heart and soul into her painting. She worked through the night, each stroke a fervent prayer for the Ukrainian people, each mark a cry of outrage against the cruelty made possible by the tyranny of a dictator. As the news continued to unfold over the days and weeks, she was moved by the courage and unity of the Ukrainian people, and her sadness slowly transformed into admiration.
Through her art, Patricia pays tribute to the fortitude and strength of the Ukrainian people in the face of uncertainty and fear. Her painting stands as a testament to the power of hope and the enduring human spirit.
As we contemplate Patricia's work, we are reminded of the preciousness of democracy and the freedoms it affords. We are grateful for the privilege of living under a government that honors the will of the people and protects the rights of all citizens. May Patricia's painting serve as a prayer and a call to action, inspiring us to stand up against tyranny and injustice wherever it may occur. Let us never forget the courage of the Ukrainian people and the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity.
