‘It’s Not Safe To Talk’, David Hayward, Sumi ink and watercolour on paper
“It’s Not Safe to Talk”, it’s origin story – A woman contacted me to say she saw a young bright maple tree surrounded by dead and dying trees as if they were trying to silence it. She heard, “It’s not safe to talk!” How I feel! She said keep shining. So I painted it.
(Ink used to make calligraphy) – David Hayward
It’s not safe to talk, but as long as we talk, we’re alive.
Bio from the artist: I’m a lot of things. Pastor turned artist. Cartoonist. Writer. And other things I’m still figuring out. To be all these things is simply to be human. Complex, meaningful, creative, curious, and evolving. – DH
Discover more from I didn't have my glasses on....
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
I didn't have my glasses on.... 
I love this so much, Beth.
Thanks for sharing❣️
~David
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks, david. i was very taken by his painting and the reasons behind it
LikeLiked by 1 person
🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a powerful piece, both visually and emotionally. The image of a vibrant young tree standing strong among dying ones is such a moving metaphor for courage, truth, and hope
LikeLiked by 2 people
yes, a great take on this
LikeLike
Poignant and powerful. We must all keep on talking, shining, sharing. 💙
LikeLiked by 1 person
i so agree
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like this for the simplicity, and yet not simplicity. And unfortunately, it has me in mind of those terrible files raging through Europe at the moment…
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes, i can see that and how horrible those fires are
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful, thoughtful art. The backstory perfectly realised on the canvas.
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLike
<3
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the origin story :)
LikeLiked by 1 person
i so agree
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is wonderful, love that painting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
<3
LikeLiked by 1 person
Let me know when it’s safe to talk, so I can resume writing again, Beth
LikeLiked by 1 person
i’m going to say that you are safe, so keep doing what you’re doing )
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh wow… THIS.
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes, it really struck me too
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful watercolor art, Beth – and an even more compelling message behind the art!
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes, it really struck me
LikeLike
Sometimes, you have to say “safety be damned!”
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes
LikeLiked by 1 person
Adore this…coincidentally, I was recently seated at a wedding next to someone with seemingly very different views and I wondered, is it safe to talk openly? But I did anyway and had a fascinating conversation. I worry that my experience is much too rare now.
LikeLiked by 1 person
that is something i struggle with at times as well, i do enjoy those honest 2-way conversations though –
LikeLike
I loved this. The young tree and its message feel so hopeful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
i agree
LikeLiked by 1 person
Even if we speak the same language I wonder if we really understand what another says. I’m very quiet in a group. I can’t make small talk. ( Maybe a comment is small talk?)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, a comment is the kind of small talk I most like
LikeLiked by 1 person
Speak. Share. Shine. We must be that flaming tree in this moment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s exactly right-
LikeLike
Terrific post…really captures a mood and style…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is absolutely beautiful! It always amazes me how an image can convey so many things without saying a word. Thanks so much for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
isn’t that the truth?
LikeLike
Very interesting Beth. Thanks for sharing
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is a lovely painting with an insightful meaning.
LikeLiked by 1 person
it really is-
LikeLike
🩵
LikeLike
Love it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A poignant painting in today’s world. It should be on posters… everywhere. Thanks Beth!
LikeLiked by 1 person
that would be nice-
LikeLike
Oh, my, that’s very poignant. The story plus the painting are so touching.
LikeLiked by 1 person
i think so too –
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve always loved this style of painting. This one, with its accompanying backstory, is particularly memorable.
LikeLiked by 1 person
i think so too –
LikeLike
I love the painting, Beth, and what a profound message…
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes, i agree
LikeLiked by 1 person
So wonderful. And more and more we are headed in the, “it’s not safe to talk,” situation. Watercolor is beautiful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes, it really fits
LikeLike
Thank you for sharing this. I found both the artwork and the story behind it thought-provoking. The image stayed with me long after I’d finished reading.
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks for reading and commenting, hayley. i felt the same –
LikeLike
That is beautiful Beth.
LikeLiked by 1 person
it really is stunning –
LikeLike
this must be my most loved post of yours EVER! My mum, as long as she could still see anything, learned calligraphy and ‘japanese’ painting. I have 2 of her works and love them so much.
This made me sad and at the same time my heart is singing. Such beauty, insight, thoughtfulness…
LikeLike
how wonderful that she did that, how amazing. and also so happy that you still have two of them –
LikeLiked by 1 person