“Since college I have been interested in painting cultural figures but at the time I didn’t realize how my feild of study could help others. As I continued my education in art, a friend was placed in my life who serves as a missionary to Papa New Guinea. I was overwhelmed when I saw photographs of the Papa New Guinea people. One photograph in particular became my inspiration to paint more of their culture. It was the hope seen in this girls eyes that inspired me to paint more of the Papa New Guniea people.
As I began a series of Papa New Guniea paintings I knew immediately that I wanted to share their message of hope. Now that desire has turned into one of my deepest passions. I plan on traveling to countries that need our help and to work wherever possible. While there I will document the lives of those who don’t have the opportunities that Americans’ are given. Then I can paint a message of hope from their country to ours. A contribution will be given to missions through every artwork sold. This is how art can give back. Worth more than the pleasure of owning fine art is the ability to make a difference.”—Elya Daniell