The Community of Hope Series
Versea's most extensive series, the Community of Hope project includes more than sixty
paintings created over the course of several years. The works are brilliantly colored
watercolors, some also incorporating pastel and acrylic. They are distinguished by a shared set
of symbolic motifs: ascending spirit figures, stars, doorways, buildings, birds and fish, among
others. In 2005, Versea described the series:
paintings created over the course of several years. The works are brilliantly colored
watercolors, some also incorporating pastel and acrylic. They are distinguished by a shared set
of symbolic motifs: ascending spirit figures, stars, doorways, buildings, birds and fish, among
others. In 2005, Versea described the series:
- After returning from a work group experience in Guatemala in 1997, I began to
create strong-colored works based on my experiences there. Based on the ideas of
hope and community, I created a series I call Community of Hope. Vivid red and
orange colors and universal/spiritual symbols such as circles, doorways, windows,
birds, ladders and the idea of “home” convey meaning that moves beyond material
reality. I want to express a soaring joyous hope. I found this hope among a people
who share a vision of them selves that is not bound by poverty, immediate political
circumstance, hate or fear. What I see is a sublime dignified sense of self rooted in a
deep sense of one’s dignity and a strong will to be self-determining. This fosters a
life of purpose, love, hope and community. It frees the human spirit to soar and
embrace life in a joyous “yes I can” reality.
| Community of Hope #6 (1999) Also known as Mexico City Watercolor, pastel & acrylic, 15” by 22” Family collection |
| Community of Hope #7 (1999) Watercolor, pastel & acrylic, 15” by 23” Private collection |
| Community of Hope #1 (1998) Watercolor and other media, 28" by 20" Private collection |
| Community of Hope #33 (2001) Watercolor, 27” by 29” Family collection |
| Community of Hope #37 (2001) Watercolor, 11” by 11” Private collection |
| Community of Hope #38 (2001) Also known as The Seekers Watercolor, 16” by 16” Private collection |
| Community of Hope #53 (2002) Watercolor, 11” by 14” Family collection |
| Community of Hope #21 (2000) Watercolor & pastel, 28” by 21” Family collection |
