Artist: Ashley Hoth
Title: Conspicuous and Connected
Medium: Original Oil on Panel
Size: 12x12 (16x16 framed)
Artist Statement:
This dahlia really grew in my backyard this summer. “What a brave little petal,” I thought. It donned pink while everyone else around it got with the program, as they say. The pink was prominent, but as I studied it, I noticed the petal still had so much in common with those around it.  Immersed in its community, it was as much a part of the flower as any other petal, totally connected with the others. Becoming sovereign could mean allowing ourselves (and others) to connect and be part of something, without needing to be exactly like everyone else. Sovereignty can at times feel conspicuous, but the need to conform and fit in shouldn’t override self-authorship and divine nature. Even when uniqueness is celebrated, it can come with extra eyes on you, and it takes strength and courage to show up as yourself anyway.  Like this little sovereign petal, we can be part of something without needing to match those around us in every way. We can be conspicuous and connected.