Signs of Encouragement 2020 –
With the year 2020 being a tough year already for so many, the holiday season proved to be the toughest season of all; physically , mentally and emotionally. With the loss of jobs, lack stability, and the loss of family members and friends has forever made 2020 “that year” that will be spoken about with a heavy tone for generations to come. With that being said and as difficult as it may have been I choose for myself to try and find the good in it all. In doing so I realized that others in my community needed a way to be encouraged as well. Therefore I set forth in the only way I knew: “Art”. With social media being overly saturated with stories difficulty and turmoil, and advertisements that only call for the attention of spending more money when many were already struggling to meet bill deadline and to put food on their families tables; I needed to brainstorm a way to reach my people while adding color to brighten the community symotenously. The United States and many other countries are rich in areas designated for commerical advertisment but also for the beautification of areas which bill boards and wall facades cloaked in art; many geared towards opening ones minds and hearts.
Ultimately I decided to place various signs around New Providence in hopes of invoking courage and strength regardless what situation one might be in. We are all in this together, and although Covid-19 was relentless in tearing apart communities and families due to ;lack of healthcare preparedness, resources and strict social restrictions’ brotherly love is what helped many to survive. Just as many Bahamians came together after the devastating effects of hurricane Dorian in 2019. Although funding was not available, through various donates and with my own funds I erected the “Signs of Encouragement” series. By using my art as an universal language I wish to show people that in every down moment, every dark time, and in every feeling of loneness or despair strength can be forged and promoted among us. Thus I hope that for anyone seeing my signs it puts a peep in their step, encouragement in their hearts and most importantly to remember to use what you have to do what you must and to know that no hard time lasts forever.
