My artistic style flows directly from my writing. When I write, images rise naturally to illustrate my stories. The text below is the inspiration behind this piece.
The Hands of Our Ancestresses
Indigenous traditions embody many of Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings—especially in their reverence for elders, Mother Earth, and all forms of life. Elders are the culture-bearers of their communities. Through stories, rituals, and songs, they nurture continuity, wisdom, and compassion, reminding younger generations of their sacred connection to the land and to one another. 
The work of indigenous women as healers, artists, and spiritual leaders reveals a profound commitment to generosity and detachment. The belief that things are “less important than people” echoes the spirit of non-attachment that Thay teaches. Their ceremonies and sacred transfers—like the sweat lodge, Sun Dance or peace pipe—embody mindfulness and interbeing, teaching that the divine is present in all things.
One of the rituals I cherish in our Journeywomen gatherings at Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Maryland is lighting candles for our ancestresses. We always light three—one for a founder, one for a member who has recently passed, and one for all our ancestresses, sisters, and female descendants. I am especially moved by how the hands of our ancestresses live on with us. Thich Nhat Hanh reminds us to look at our hands and see our mothers and grandmothers still there. 
When I create art, I see not only Thay’s graceful calligraphy but also my Venezuelan grandmother’s loving touch—her art, her faith, her resilience. Like her, and like the Indigenous women who shaped their worlds with love and courage, I hope to use my own hands to nurture healing and connection for generations to come.
From my write-up on the Opening Heart Mindfulness Community’s Website: Warriors, Artists & Meditators: Honoring Indigenous Women  & their Most Precious Gifts