Editor’s note: Beginning Friday, May 29, 2020, protests erupted in Seattle, WA. Participants were focused on a variety of social issues: workers’ rights, sustainable economies, by Police deaths of Black Americans, and the environment. Downtown streets and intersections could not be cleared of people. After downtown businesses were vandalized, Mayor Jenny Durkan declared a Civil Emergency. Continued grievances and overreaction have led to lawsuits.
It is commonly asked of authors, musicians, and artists, “From where did your inspiration come?”
Rarely is the answer, “I got really frightened!”
This was the motivation that spurred artist Howard “Bud” Thompson, of Prophetstown, IL, to take to his paints.
“It was right after the takeover in Seattle–when they took these five City blocks and even the Police Station. I thought, ‘Wait! This is America.’ Things have really changed: the corona virus, unrest, confusion. Peaceful demonstrations I understand. Rioting, burning, and destroying–these are criminal acts.
“I sat down, and I fiddled a bit. I got really frightened! What’s happening here? With COVID, my golly, everything is changed!”
“The meaning of my painting centers on our hands. They can be male or female; rich or poor; black, white, brown, or yellow; Democrat, Independent, or Republican; Christian, Jew, Hindu, or Muslim.
“They belong to someone who is worried and caring about their futures and their families.
“Yes, we are scared. It is time to pray.”
The inspiration of Bud Thompson’s latest painting was raw emotion, a reaction to violence and shared despair. However, his concluding remark was calm and hopeful.
“We’ll get through it. Especially if we turn to our God.
“I do quite a lot of painting. It’s great therapy. I’m into miniatures; they’re a lot of fun.”