A Greater Joy in Me

"How blessed I am to have been able to develop some of the talents given to me. I cannot express in words how thankful  I am to be given a sensitivity of seeing and doing the things I love to create. Nothing ever came easy to me, but fortunately I have always had the will to persist, to be able to go to bed disappointed and to wake up inspired.

There is a greater joy in me, though, it's more than just my abilities. It is the feeling that God must love me very much to have given me them."

Al Sprague, Artist's Journal, October 2, 1992

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Raspadero en Ocu, 2020

The introduction of the 2020 Al Sprague Virtual Art Exhibition written in English, French, and Spanish reads:  

In June of 2019, plans were being made to host a 2020 Al Sprague art exhibit in Paris, France. This exhibit was to promote the culture of Panama in the european City of Lights. In early 2020, the plans for this exhibit quickly came to a halt due to the world-wide COVID-19 pandemic. Although, the world entered a dark place and Sprague was isolated to his converted garage studio in New Orleans, Louisiana, he continued to paint. In a year’s time span, Sprague produced a series of paintings capturing the essence of Panama - its people. This series of 23 originals, makes up Sprague’s first ever virtual art exhibit, “Shining a Light on the Beauty of Panama”. Each piece of this collection, opens a window to the everyday culture of Panama and transports us to a bright and colorful place filled with light.

I can remember putting together this event. We had no idea how many people would actually attend. It turned out to be a great success. We sold 18 of the 23 originals and over 2,500 people attended the virtual show from across the globe. Everyone was ecstatic - especially Dad! 

The collection of paintings he produced for this exhibit were extraordinary. Each piece captured something that was missing in so many of our lives during the pandemic - the outside world! We were all stuck in our homes; unable to get out and do the things we loved to do so we turned to artwork to bridge our worlds together. 

I have to say that this collection was bright and colorful - that is what led me to Raspadero en Ocu. I love the cheerfulness in this work and look at it daily. The brightly colored bottles and the vivid greens in the background bring the beauty of Panama into my home. Thanks Dad, for bringing joy into my home with your God-given talent! Everytime I see Raspadero en Ocu, I think of you and your love for the people and culture of Panama.