ARTIST
First, a disclaimer. I am writing this off the top of my (bed) head. I just woke up with so many thoughts and feel like writing them will help me process some things.
So this morning I’m thinking there are these “brotherhoods” in life that we don’t choose to belong to. Groups like “addict”, “hospice”, “cancer survivor” and “widow” to name a few. But you can find yourself there one day and suddenly, when you meet someone who is also a member, there is this bond. A relief that someone else understands and relates. As well as a sense of purpose. That maybe there’s an unexpected gift or good that comes along when you can actually use what you’ve been through to help someone else.
Last night at an art show in Nashville, I got to meet my artist neighbor whose booth was behind me. His name is James Makuac and he cannot wait to tell anyone his story. Before the artist’s dinner we greeted each other and immediately he began to tell me. He is one of the “Lost Boys of Sudan”. At 11 years old, his village was attacked by men who had this mission to kill all the boys and his parents told him to run into the woods. He has survived numerous massacres and witnessed unfathomable blood shed, rape, starvation, sickness, separation from loved ones and refugee camps. He has had his hopes dashed and his sleep interupted by violence. He saw his mom 25 years after he ran for safety. She thought he was dead and he didn’t recognize her. He tells his story through his art and I loved his small book that tells what happened with his illustrations. He made it for his mom. I can’t even wrap my head around it all.
My favorite line in his book is: “My heart grew stronger because I had to walk on blistered feet.” This was written about the time he walked for 3 days through a dessert with no food on burning hot sand. And I wept because my heart could barely take it all in and he patted me on my hand and on my back and said “It’s okay. I appreciate your tears.”
When you ask James how he survived, he says it was hope. He said “You know, we are all just visitors here. This is not our home.” And he is not talking about being a refugee living in America. He knows God has a purpose for his life and telling his story is a huge part of it. I know my “problems” sure look silly now. And I know his is the type of story telling that can bring hope to everyone. Especially those like my loved one who has experienced unimaginable violence. I think it was no accident that I met him last night.
Here are some of his own words, from a post card he gifted to me:
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"In Amy's work, I see a sense of wonder that has been gifted to her. She paints in a way that helps and enables me to see intricate details of creation as I've never seen them before. I honestly think that her paintings have caused me to take more time to stop and look deeply into bits of nature that surround me daily. Her art has enriched my own sense of wonder."
"Being a nature lover and gardener, I was immediately drawn to Amy's paintings. The first painting I purchased was a nest containing four eggs with a butterfly perched on the side of the next. I have since purchased several more, but that one is my favorite. To me, her paintings evoke a sense of serenity—something we could all use more of in our busy lives."
"Amy Crews paints the way the South feels."
"While the Governor's Mansion serves as the People's House, it also becomes home to Alabama's first families. The 'Alabama Nest' features various state symbols, together symbolizing home in the private dining room. Thank you Amy for your generosity, creativity and service to Alabama!"
"One of our favorite artists in all of Alabama is Amy. We love her realistic representations and dramatic use of shadowing. But more than that we just love Amy. She's always so warm and welcoming when we see her at local shows. Come out to her next show and purchase an original Amy Crews. You will not regret."
"People seek peace - you produce it."
"It is sooooooo real. It appeals to my southern side. Details, depth, subject matter colors"
"Every piece shows your awe and respect for creation."
"A deep gaze into the wonder of simple moments. An attention to detail that says - every petal on a flower and every speckle on an egg - it all matters."
amy@amycrewsgallery.com
©2022 Amy Crews Artist
Beautiful, Amy! Thank you for sharing his story. How touching!
Thank you for leaving a comment Jeannie. There are many movies, documentaries, and news stories about the Lost Boys and I’m eager to watch them now. Reese Witherspoon was in one of them, “The Good Lie”. I watched a little of the 60 minutes piece last night and will finish it today. There’s a movie called “God Forgot About Us” and James said that one he does not like to watch because it’s so graphic and it’s hard to see, but it’s true.