“Beyond the Sea” Gouache painting on 9” x 12” wooden panel with resin coating. Hand painted wooden ring size 7 (Inside panel) Gouache painting on metal pendant. I was unable to stop crying while painting the image of three old year Syrian boy, Alan Kurdi who was found washed ashore, unresponsive. My heart still sinks in my chest when I see the image. How can life be so cruel, I wondered. He and his family were just trying to run away from harm, and maybe even death itself. Yet, Alan, his mother and brother meet it at Sea. What a courageous choice to have to make. That many others still face today, all over the world. Growing up in Miami, the melting pot of cultures, I have had the enlightening experience of hearing accounts from people having to leave or escape their “homeland.” I can’t deny that some of the means are illegal, dangerous or impede on more developed nations and maybe even unnecessary, but what are the alternatives or any thoughtful suggestion? If you find this topic uncomfortable, Interesting or triggering, let’s talk it out. I want to learn more, and Be able to talk about it. To find that we have more in common than not. #weareallconnected #empathy #neverforget #asylum #seekingrefuge #letstalkaboutit #humanitariancrisis #refugees #alankurdi #statementpiece #socialconsciousness #asylumseekers #UN #immigration #humanrights #socialrealism #socialrealismart #artoftheday #dailypainting #instaart #wearableart #artstagram #artlover #artoninstagram #artgram #artdaily #artistofinstagram #painting #createMag #createmagazine (at Miami Beach, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/CQ91xP7LYwB/?utm_medium=tumblr