‘GIVING (HOPE)’

'Giving (HOPE)' honors jazz trumpeter, composer, activist, and humanitarian Hannibal Lokumbe. I first encountered his work through an article by Peter Dobrin and was immediately drawn to the depth of his spirit and commitment to community. The more I learned about his life and practice, the clearer it became that he belonged in my visual language.

This portrait is not about likeness alone, but about presence — an attempt to translate generosity, resilience, and spiritual resolve into form and color. It stands as a reflection on how creative purpose can extend beyond the self and become an offering to others.

Part of my Defining Auras body of work, 'Giving (HOPE)' invites the viewer to consider art as an act of reverence and responsibility.