“Flowers in the Wild” is an illustration of what God can do when you just decide to “do”. These two paintings: “Inquisitive” and “Acceptance” are currently on display until the end of the month at the Lucille Parker Gallery on the William Carey University campus in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. They are currently included in the Beyond Black History Exhibition.

I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me.

Galatians 2: 20-21

TAKE FIVE

Name: Ciera Hill
Age: 31
Hometown: Milwaukee, WI and Carthage, MS

SL: How did you get into the Art field?

CH: I’ve always been drawn to the Arts, but I wouldn’t say I’m in the Art field. From a young child, I was drawn to the beauty of just creating something from nothing, but as I got older life was just moving along and I didn’t draw like I used to, but recently my best friend has gotten me interested in creating art again. The exhibition that’s being showcased at the Lucille Parker Gallery is my painting debut.

SL: What do you consider essential ingredients for success?

CH: God and his instruction, the will and desire to do something, and the courage to keep going once you start.

…And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son, into our hearts, crying “Abba. Father!”

Galatians 4: 5

SL: What was the inspiration for “Flowers in the Wild”?

CH: I was inspired by the journey I was having with God. I was starting a new thing. I had thrown my art to the side and wasn’t sure if picking the hobby back up was the right thing for me. I was beginning to trust God again. When I paint, it is a reminder that God is good and I need him. At the start of every painting, I didn’t know what I was doing, but every time it seemed to work out.

SL: Who has been the greatest influence in your life?

CH: My grandfather has been one the greatest influences in my life, second to God. He instilled so much good stuff inside of me. So much so it spills over into everything I do. I can hear all of his riddles and understand his instructions more and more as I get older. My grandparents were a big influence.

“The most important thing is that you be a generous person, since individualism and egotism aren’t worth a thing. “The person who gives of himself grows””

[excerpt from Alice Walker’s We Are The Ones We Have Been Waiting For: Inner Light in a Time of Darkness.]

SL: If you could talk to your younger self, what would you tell her?

CH: Wake up and choose the world you want to live in. You have everything you need on the inside of you.

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