"Speaking Peace & Prosperity Over the Land (Just a Dream Some of Us Had" by Shelby Criswell

36" x 12"

Gouache, Paint Marker on Canvas

Across many cultures, Earth is revered as our mother, the one who nourishes and sustains us. Inspired by Joni Mitchell’s song "California", particularly the lyrics "They won't give peace a chance. That was just a dream some of us had," I felt compelled to document the most recent Los Angeles wildfires, as well as the complex and often fraught relationship between humanity and Mother Nature.

As the impact of climate change becomes increasingly undeniable and scary, I’m reminded of the responsibility we all share in protecting the Earth. This piece is a call to care for the land, to speak peace and prosperity over it—because, in truth, she is all we have.