‘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
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I didn't have my glasses on.... 
I love this so much, Beth.
Thanks for sharing❣️
~David
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thanks, david. i was very taken by his painting and the reasons behind it
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🤗
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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
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yes, a great take on this
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Poignant and powerful. We must all keep on talking, shining, sharing. 💙
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i so agree
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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…
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yes, i can see that and how horrible those fires are
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Wonderful, thoughtful art. The backstory perfectly realised on the canvas.
Best wishes, Pete.
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<3
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I love the origin story :)
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i so agree
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This is wonderful, love that painting!
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<3
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Let me know when it’s safe to talk, so I can resume writing again, Beth
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i’m going to say that you are safe, so keep doing what you’re doing )
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Oh wow… THIS.
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yes, it really struck me too
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Beautiful watercolor art, Beth – and an even more compelling message behind the art!
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yes, it really struck me
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Sometimes, you have to say “safety be damned!”
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yes
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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.
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that is something i struggle with at times as well, i do enjoy those honest 2-way conversations though –
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I loved this. The young tree and its message feel so hopeful.
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i agree
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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?)
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Yes, a comment is the kind of small talk I most like
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Speak. Share. Shine. We must be that flaming tree in this moment.
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That’s exactly right-
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Terrific post…really captures a mood and style…
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Interesting!
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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!
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isn’t that the truth?
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Very interesting Beth. Thanks for sharing
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This is a lovely painting with an insightful meaning.
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it really is-
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Love it!
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A poignant painting in today’s world. It should be on posters… everywhere. Thanks Beth!
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that would be nice-
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Oh, my, that’s very poignant. The story plus the painting are so touching.
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i think so too –
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I’ve always loved this style of painting. This one, with its accompanying backstory, is particularly memorable.
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i think so too –
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I love the painting, Beth, and what a profound message…
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yes, i agree
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So wonderful. And more and more we are headed in the, “it’s not safe to talk,” situation. Watercolor is beautiful.
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yes, it really fits
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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.
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thanks for reading and commenting, hayley. i felt the same –
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That is beautiful Beth.
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it really is stunning –
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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…
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how wonderful that she did that, how amazing. and also so happy that you still have two of them –
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