"1000 Words"

This painting began as a spark of inspiration during a mass at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, when the priest said, 'A picture is worth 1,000 words.' He spoke of how stained glass tells a story, and I felt called to create a piece that reflected that tradition.
I left on Ash Wednesday, traveling across the country to collect marks from priests. But on the first Sunday, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Atlanta, I faced unexpected resistance. The deacon and priest didn’t understand what I was doing, and I left feeling defeated, doubting my purpose. I prayed, walked the Stations of the Cross, and asked God to check my heart, to ensure I was on this journey for the right reasons.
Two hours later, I returned to the church, taking photos of the stained glass. I noticed a group of couples preparing for marriage and quietly joined their tour led by Deacon Bill. In the small chapel, Deacon Bill spoke about stained glass, its storytelling purpose, and the symbolism of the color purple during Lent. In that moment, I knew the painting had to feature purple, a color rich with meaning.
When the tour ended, I introduced myself and asked if Deacon Bill would mark my canvas. He agreed and marked it with a fish, explaining its significance in early Christianity when persecuted Christians used it as a secret symbol of faith. It was the first mark of many.
As I traveled, other priests added symbols and words to the canvas, messages like 'You are blessed,' 'God is good,' and 'Put God first.' Each marking represented faith, hope, and the journey we all share.
When I returned home, I prayed for guidance because I still didn’t know what I was meant to paint. As I began washing the canvas with water and purple acrylic paint, letting the colors flow randomly, I captured the entire process on a time-lapse. In the randomness of the wash, an image of Jesus emerged—clear as day, with His profile, flowing hair, and deep presence. I painted over it to highlight what I had seen, creating a stained-glass-inspired work of art.
This painting, '1000 Words,' is a testament to faith, community, and the beauty that emerges when we trust in God’s plan. I hope it touches your heart as it has touched mine