Sorrow Mandala
8 x 8" Acrylic on Wood Panel
(Click above for full video tutorial.)
I was doing some research this week on color theory. The colors in the violet family represents sadness and spirituality, while red represents blood, danger, war and passion.
Magenta represents universal harmony compassion, kindness, cooperation and emotional balance.
There's a lot of sadness and loss around the world right now, and I think some of us feel these things intensely sometimes.
I watched a news clip on what was happening in Ecuador. Their dead is overwhelming parts of that country. Some of those that have died have been left in either body bags or coffins and left on the side of the road or dumped in the streets. The morgues are completely full and families have to live with their deceased loved ones for several days until they can get accommodations for them. Their hospitals are completely overwhelmed and the staff have either died from the virus or have quit. (I don't blame them).
I fear many other third world countries are going to see loss and a complete breakdown of society.
My sweet friend and midwife established a free midwifery clinic in Haiti, the poorest country in the world. Haiti has 11 million people with a total of 127 ICU beds for the entire population with the capacity to ventilate 60 people in total.
If you give birth in the hospital in Haiti, and can't pay your bill, you become a prisoner of the hospital until you can pay. If you want to know more about their work in Haiti, you can visit their website here: https://mamababyhaiti.org/
The virus has become a special interest of mine. I am learning a lot about just how big the divide is between the haves and have nots, in my country and across the world.
The death rate among the poorer populations is significantly higher than those who have money and access to affordable health care. This situation is really shining a light on the problem at home, and around the world.
This piece is meant to inspire hope and love for one another. This next year is going to be very trying for all countries. Perhaps it's a good time to remind ourselves that we are all going through our own hardships and to be a little more gentle with one another and offer to help if we have the capacity to do so.