In His Hands - Obama Portrait

The inspiration for this body of work began during the

2008 Presidential campaign when the country was in

turmoil. Nancy was struck by the enormity of the

concerns with which the future president would be

entrusted. There were no simple or clear solutions

to any of the issues. She began this work by creating

fourteen pastel paintings depicting the concerns facing

our country and the world and wrote about them. After

the election, the title "In His Hands" came to her.

Nancy used the fourteen images in a collage style

portrait of newly elected Predsident Obama.

The collage process was quite detailed using more than

4800 replications of the original fourteen images.

The faith and hope of a nation and the world rest

"In His Hands."

Prints and originals available for sale below.

   Change is essential. The world looks to a president who offers hope, yet is only human. New
light dawns, a spark is nurtured with the potential to move mountains, melt frigid hearts and soften rigid minds.

The polar bear’s loss of habitat symbolized the beginning of Global Warming; unwilling mascots in the struggle to survive in a changing environment not of their making. If such a powerful majestic animal, which makes its way in the world’s most hostile environment cannot survive this change, what does that say for the rest of us?

They carry wisdom born out of experience. They are solid contributors to this country with simple, yet significant day-to-day actions. They turn to a nation that made promises and find their hard-earned security threatened. A national asset left feeling vulnerable and devalued.

Pride in our country had waned. Wars and disillusionment over governmental action, or inaction, here and elsewhere had generated shame and despair. Hope rises
that we will again stand together with pride.

Soldiers personify courage. They leave home facing the unknown in a war waged on the doorsteps of other people’s homes. They witness devastation imposed on ordinary people. Innocence is lost, while wounds and divisions are generated which rarely heal.

"For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness... We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth... We cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve... Our common humanity shall reveal itself..."

Obama's Inauguration Speech

The family unit has evolved,
yet basic human connection and relationship needs remain.
Family trees appear gnarled or twisted while reflecting the majestic beauty of the human spirit; each of us finding our way in a world that moves with increasing velocity.

A dark thread has been woven into the fabric of our history from its inception. People silenced and unseen. Races and genders bear the scars of repression. A leader is needed to Hear our needs and wisdom; to Acknowledge our contributions; to Speak truth born out of respect, dignity and equality.

Chasms have formed, such that part is the most telling piece of the word. Antiquated systems advance, driven by agendas blind to common goals. Separated only by an aisle, precious energy is wasted holding tight to turf 
at the expense of those who entrusted them.

Schools are failing, driven by overcrowded classrooms and teachers bound by paperwork and regulations. Our children fall behind the rest of the world. The future soon rests in the hands of people for whom education has been out of reach or inadequate.

A system in ruins bends to greed. Medical attention and medication rendered inaccessible to many, leaving basic needs unmet. Life savings gone to pay for a basic right and devastates the future. People die and suffer needlessly.

Lost homes, lost jobs, lost dignity and broken dreams. Out of balance, those in the middle can no longer carry the burden. Ineffective establishments grind forward with greed their directive. A global economy implodes with but a few grains of sand left in the hourglass.

Tanks embody war; machines designed to generate death and ultimate destruction. No matter how well meaning a war’s intention, its effects are indiscriminant and far-reaching. Their crippling
devastation echoes in hearts and minds for generations; damaging spirits and diminishing hope.

World vision is imperative. Everything reverberates around the globe. The blindfold of separation has lifted and we must act with the knowledge we are one living organism.

"In His Hands" Limited Edition  Prints

Each giclee fine art reproduction is printed on museum grade acid free paper and
is accompanied by a flyer of the original paintings and verses which make up the portrait.

"In His Hands" Posters

Each poster has the accompanying original paintings and verses printed on the back.

Originals Images Available For Purchase

The original pastel paintings which make up the portrait are available for purchase.

Each original is matted in a single white acid free mat with its accompanying  verse and framed in a black metal frame.

Poster is printed on heavy weight paper with its accompanying verse included on the poster.