In 1665 the painter, Johannes Vermeer finished a painting that would become best known as “The Girl with a Pearl Earring.” It had just sold for some 30 million dollars at auction and for some reason the thought occurred to me, “What if the girl had been a young black slave girl?” And that sparked the first few lines of the poem.
So, my painting became “The Other Girl,” and the realization of how barbaric racism and slavery really was, and is. The stunning beauty in such a young woman, with all of the promises and hopes and dreams, urged me to see the best in humanity, contrasted by the very worst in any individual who would seek to enslave another.
This painting is not a “portrait,” but rather, a study in the human condition. It holds a special place for me and my hopes for humanity’s rise to greater spiritual enlightenment.
Other Girl with the Pearl Earring (SE)
Definition: A unique, curated release of art prints created for a specific purpose—such as a collaboration, anniversary, or themed collection—often featuring distinctive enhancements.
Material Type: Limited-run fine art print with added collectible features.
Quality: Printed on premium, archival materials and may include special treatments like embossing, hand embellishments, foil stamping, or artist signatures. Often numbered and issued in small batches, special edition prints offer higher exclusivity and desirability than open editions, serving both collectors and art enthusiasts looking for something more distinctive.