Graphite and Prismacolor on Paper
9″ x  11″
2014

This portrait honors Mother Teresa, a patron saint of Calcutta, who had dedicated her life to caring for the sick and poor of the city of my family. Created early in my artistic career, I hoped to pay tribute to the admirable leader’s grace, wisdom, and experience through the actual movement and mark-making of my drawing utensils. Hiking with my pencil over her face, through every surface and deep into each wrinkle. The added color emphasizes Teresa’s iconic blue sari and highlights her character as a pool of color in a dreary environment.

This piece was awarded 2nd place at the 2014 Congressional Art Competition and was displayed for one year in the office of Congressman Kenny Marchant. A document of the drawing was also permanently placed in the Library of Congress.