Painting during a public event has become a reoccurring theme. But the last two, just months apart, took on a new dimension . . . group participation . . . with fingers and hands dipped in paint.
For all photos, double click for larger view.
FIRST EVENT–TUCSON
In February we were at the Conquistador Hilton in Tucson, Arizona. The occasion was a staff retreat for Seed Company, at their 25th anniversary. Among other things they were commemorating their sponsorship the 1500th language for Bible translation where national speakers themselves are the prime translators.
Here was the new thing: One evening everybody lined up and briefly placed their hand in a palette of paint, all 400 participants, and imprinted it on a big piece of canvas. 
We did roughly equal numbers for left hand and right, tall and short. It was great fun, everyone loving the creativity of it all.
The following morning participants came around identifying their particular handprint. It was its own statement of everybody working together and coming up with something of uniqueness and intrinsic beauty. We could have left it just like that, but I had other plans.
Speaking of intrinsic beauty, the full-table palette itself became its own work of art, with overlapping warms and cools. Too bad Anne’s not in the photo, as she was the one who oversaw the resupplying the paint and the process. All looks calm here but it was wonderfully chaotic when it was happening.
Then later, while all were occupied elsewhere, I put up this image of a beautiful Havu woman of Congo (Seed Company’s 1500th language). I used oil paint, thinned down, allowing the acrylic hand prints to show through. The Scripture came on last, completing it all. (Double click it to see better.)
I must say, people were stunned and amazed at what they’d been part of . . . and are part of, in the work they’ve signed up for. The completed painting now hangs prominently in the entrance of Seed Company offices in Arlington, Texas. I’m grateful.
Now for the next one . . .
SECOND EVENT–SAN DIEGO
It was just last week that we were with Seed Company again, this time at the luxuriant Fairmont Grand Del Mar.
Invited guests numbered around 300, plus assisting staff, this time for raising interest and funds. Very inspirational. I had an improvised “studio” set up in the back of the ballroom for painting. (For me, who always sketches while he listens, it was the best of all worlds.)
For this painting I began with a drawing already charcoaled in. Again guests lined up, this time to place in the paint just one finger . . . right up to the joint. Anne was invaluable in guiding the process.
Here’s how it looked by the time everyone had done their finger painting part.
Then I went to work, rendering the rest of the piece, taking breaks to visit with people as they dropped by and watched the painting come to life.
The final product: A rice field, part done by finger, part by brush. The choice of image was to represent the “cluster” approach on the field where work in related languages is addressed in unison. (Double click to see better.)
When the painting was finished we rushed it to a printer for overnight service. A crew of volunteers assembled the prints into pre-cut mats to give to guests. They loved it, wanting me to sign. But they had been just as participant, which was all part of the symbolism. Without them, none of the world-wide work would be happening.
Who knew that art would also have a small part?
Once again, I’m grateful. Thanks for reading.
11:07 am
What a wonderful idea!!
11:17 am
Awesome!! You never seem to run out of ideas. Your devotion and spirituality is a big part of your life’s calling.
11:38 am
Yet another BRILLIANT, God inspired idea Hyatt. I love that the people could all participate in some small way and then you brought it all to life, with increased meaning and beauty; much like the Father does with our simple acts of love.
11:38 am
This is beautiful collaborative creativity! The boys and I loved seeing this! Thank you for sharing it with us!
11:58 am
I especially love the “sowing and harvesting.”
12:59 pm
there are no words….just thanks be to God for his gift of creativity, for a riot of color, for the human body, the face, the eyes that always speak volumes.
and thank you for the gift of Hyatt who shares beauty and the impossible all the time.
1:22 pm
Another awesome work, Hyatt! Thank you for the stories that accompany the works. It would be great to print and frame the first part of this article to be displayed beside the Havu/ hand print art in the Seed Co. lobby. Let me know if I can help with that.
2:02 pm
Amazing! You are too much. What incredible gifts of creativity and painting you gave.
Glad you are not so busy with the Festival: you have so many places for your talents
And love.
3:17 pm
Both pieces are beautiful! Thank you for sharing…you are taking your gift to a new level, by allowing ordinary people be a part of an extraordinary outcome. People trusting the “real” artist to take what they have to offer and turn it into a beautiul finish. For me, it is a wonderful symbolism of what our Lord does if we are willing to trust him with our hands and heart.
3:49 pm
I love this! You and Anne are living the life! :)
Blessings to you both!!
4:13 pm
Thank you for your information and web site. I am constantly not just impressed with your work and your spiritual connection but it just inspires all artists with the true meaning of art and life
Just keep up the great work.
1:04 am
What a fantastic idea. The pieces are beautiful!!
5:58 am
It was great, Hyatt, how you helped our Seed Company group in Tucson (and later in San Diego) to get “all hands on deck”!
Lisa and I also enjoyed reconnecting with you and Anne. Bless you both for your ongoing efforts help reach the Bibleless!
6:45 am
Both signed in their own unique and personal way. Beautiful!
7:14 am
This is fantastic! So creative and inspiring. I am sure everyone was honored to be a part of this process. The end result is so wonderful!
10:33 am
As usual Hyatt, you ROCK! Thanks for partnering with us along the way to see that we all play a part in seeing God’s Word to all PEOPLES and He chooses us to be blessed along the way. Lisa
10:53 am
Great creativity! Thanks.
11:03 am
I love these, but I’m sure those who participated and especially those who got a print of what they helped create can appreciate them even more.
What I like best is how these pieces recognize the importance of including others in whatever he calls each of us to do. Our ministries are not just about you or about me – They’re about each of us having a part, large or small, and God making something beautiful from all of it – not only in the lives of those who are receiving His Word in their language for the first time, but that he also transforms each of us in the process too!
11:46 am
So incredibly inspiring! I love the addition of the Havu woman over all the hand prints. Truly spectacular way to visualize all the hands that go into ministry work of all kinds.
1:07 pm
Wonderful Hyatt! Beautiful symbolism!!
5:11 pm
Unbelievable – incredibly creative way to engage everyone (400 and 300) Hyatt – kind of a reversal of loaves and fishes story!
8:28 am
This is breathtaking Hyatt. It is so amazing to watch your creative process. And then the way you honor God with it is so inspiring. Great work
11:02 am
Absolutely stunning – all of it!
12:10 pm
Very cool Hyatt!! Loved them both!!
12:43 pm
we are amazed at this. beautiful.
6:06 pm
Excellent creativity. Thank you again!
2:26 pm
WOW!!!! AMAZING GRACE AND ARTISTRY AND FUN. YOU ARE RE-
INVENTING YOUR ART ALWAYS. I LOVE ITJ.
Jane
8:04 pm
I am blown away by the way you use your gifts for God’s glory. I LOVE these 2 paintings. How inspiring for those of us who embrace the Matthew 28 mandate!
9:03 pm
So awesome. I love it!!!