Barbara

This is Barbara. Having been born and raised in Venice, CA, I’ve had a great blessing in being able to enjoy the close proximity of the ocean and beachfront festivities. Lately, I’ve had a huge burden to help those in need while running past many who are living on the street during my weekend beachfront jogs. Homelessness has become a big burden on the city and various neighborhoods on the Westside. I’ve had a huge conviction in using my paintings to represent the brokenness of fellow human beings. This can be a rallying point to bridge my community to the need, bringing the best out of people, even in the midst of their difficult time. “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace,” 1st Peter 4:10. Asking God for specific people and inspiration flowing in my soul, I clearly remembered on a sunny Saturday morning run in early August, with camera in hand, God’s whisper, “there she is.” I knew it was a calling as a sudden fear tried to rise up in me when I thought about approaching Barbara. I stepped out approached her and just sat on the ground as we began to talk. Turned out she is one of the sweetest people. We talked about life, struggle, purpose, value, identity etc. As we concluded our conversation in prayer she began to tear up thanking me for just a simple honest conversation. I showed her some of my art and asked her if I can paint her portrait. She was more than happy about it. This is her and her dog “Shakira” as they continue to believe and fight the good fight. Barbara holds an AA in physical therapy and is a licensed massage therapist. Since we met she has seen some breakthrough. She found a job and is now living in her RV, but is still fighting to make ends meet. You can find her and Shakira on weekends on the boardwalk selling her beautiful hand crafted works of art. When I showed her the painting, she was very thankful and impressed, noticing how wonderfully depicted she was. I asked her to sign the painting to authenticate her portrait. The proceeds from the painting will go towards helping support her on her journey back to recovery and normal life.