Hell and Earth, 2026

Size: 44.5” x 29”
Materials: Recycled fabric, aluminum cans, embroidery floss

My art is made of recycled materials; mainly fabric, but I sometimes use aluminum cans, tin can, among other things. Frames are also recycled; mostly purchased at thrift stores, but sometimes given, and even picked up from the curb.

This is the most recent and the most ambitious piece of mine. I know well enough that politics and religions don’t match. I agree completely. But what happens when they’re already colluding — feeding each other rotten fruit right in front of us? I won’t sit quietly and watch how this ends.

I’m troubled by the transactional relationship between the current U.S. president and certain religious leaders, and between the president and big corporate interests. This piece is my statement, protected by the First Amendment.

As a Catholic, I know something about Jesus — and I’m fairly certain He wouldn’t approve of much of what this president has done: the adultery, the dismantling of USAID, the cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, all while vanity projects get funded with our tax dollars.

Jesus came for the marginalized, the poor, the abandoned — not the wealthy. When a rich young ruler asked what he must do to inherit eternal life, Jesus told him to sell his possessions, give to the poor, and follow Him. God desires mercy, not sacrifice. Without compassion, religion is just an empty shell.

There is Christ at the center of upper half, spreading arms to invite and hold us, while walking on the water. On his sides, there are devastated people. Destroyed buildings can be seen on the background. The world is treacherous place; many don’t consolation.

In the lower section, a monster is swallowing greedy people. Like Smaug, it is lying on gold, and eats whoever comes to steal his treasure. I do not specifically describe who are in the hell, because if you are following the current events, you know.