Difference. It defines every object, every experience, every brain-mind from one another. We see different faces, learn different names, and eat different foods–even if we eat the same dish every day, the rice is different from the beans. The pasta is different from the sauce. Having food itself is different from lack of food. And what of our appearance? Is it acceptable to differentiate ourselves? And our ideas? Is it acceptable to think different thoughts when the tribe, group, or system forbids it? This painting explores these questions by imposing a sunflower where other species of standardized, harmoniously arranged flowers already grow. The sunflower pushes through, growing and blooming despite the conformity and uniformity surrounding it. It refuses to shrink itself, to wither, to collapse. It boldly proclaims that, yes, it is OK to be different. My hope is that each time you slip into your soft new t-shirt, you feel empowered to externally express your inner being and bloom as large as the sunflower in a field of others.
