With each commission I work on I ask the collector if there is anything I can hold for them in prayer. This is an integral part of my creative practice. It centers me in the transformative impact of creativity to open compassion rather then slipping into the familiar yet tiresome act of performance and striving to be 'good enough'.
With these blueberries, the collector gave me an unexpected prayer request, to pray for world peace. What a humbling invitation. Who am I to pray for world peace? What does world peace have to do with blueberries?
I have experienced that I don't have to know how it all will weave together. That something unexpected will emerge.
And sure enough, to my surprise, these are blueberries for peace. As I worked I contemplated the deep longing for world peace and the simplicity (and beauty) of an individual blueberry. I mean honestly what is more perfect than a ripe blueberry warmed by the summer sun? If you could sit still and savor a blueberry you might experience inner peace. Which seems like a lovely stepping stone toward world peace.
As is often the case once I start something I am eager to do more. So I went ahead and created more blueberries for peace. These blueberries I call "Remember Peace I and Remember Peace II" 30" x 30" (c) Bronwen Mayer Henry. They are currently on display at High Point Cafe.
I donate 10% of each original sold to a non-profit answering prayers in practical ways. I follow the inspiration of the painting content or prayer. For these blueberries I will be donating to the Interfaith Center of Greater Philadelphia. So much of conflict has religious roots and the work they are doing of building bridges and conversations is definitely towards a more peaceful world.
