I began painting today’s immigrants and refugees and sharing their stories in 2017, driven by the hateful rhetoric from elected officials who labeled those seeking to come here as criminals. Having lived and worked in a diverse section of New York City filled with immigrants, I knew this portrayal was far from the truth. My goal was to interview and paint immigrants from various continents, religions, and cultures to reveal their true character and contributions to America and the world.
Some have asked if I was upset when, a few years later, former President George W. Bush began painting portraits of immigrants and writing about them. My answer is no; in fact, I am delighted that someone with his influence has joined this important cause. It will take countless images, stories, and voices to counteract the hatred that has been fueled in recent years.
This is one effort to remind America that today’s immigrants share the same aspirations as the generations who founded and built this republic: the desire to create a better life for themselves and their loved ones. In the immigrants I’ve interviewed and painted, you’ll find the same grit, courage, and entrepreneurial spirit that has always driven America forward. This energy and determination continuously renews our country. While we face challenges, it is the American spirit to help one another and confront them together. These immigrants embody that spirit.
Note: from the very beginning, I changed the names of the immigrants who were undocumented, if they asked me to do so. But since many documented immigrants, including new citizens, are being hunted down and deported for no good reason, I’ve removed last names from all these pictures and stories.
