"This artwork gently invites you to reflect on the many layers of your heritage—those influences that have shaped you, whether through family ties or the love and care of others who have guided you along the way. Heritage is not solely a matter of bloodline; it’s also found in the wisdom and support of anyone who has loved you, nurtured you, or inspired you to grow. It asks: Who are the souls that have left their imprint on your life? What legacy of love and resilience have they passed on to you?"
Our ancestors, those who came before us, are not just memories; they are a living source of light and wisdom, connecting us on a soul level that transcends this earthly existence. 'Heritage of Light' invites us to honor these roots and recognize the spiritual bond we share with those who came before. Through every challenge and triumph, this painting serves as a reminder that we are never truly alone. The strength, love, and guidance of our ancestors flow through us, empowering us to move forward with resilience, purpose, and trust.
The painting’s layers invite each viewer to find a personal interpretation. Whether you see family, a pair, or an abstract expression of energy, it symbolizes the journey of connection—how our relationships, both with others and with ourselves, define our path. The figures suggest a spiritual lineage, an unseen yet powerful connection that remains with us always. These figures embody the balance between our inner emotions and outer roles, inviting us to recognize our ongoing, soul-level relationship with our ancestors, who walk beside us in spirit.
The connection between past and present, inner and outer, is central to this piece. It encourages us to pause and reflect on the energy we carry within—a link to our heritage that extends beyond time and space. Just as the figures are entwined, so too are we bound to our lineage, carrying forward the strength and wisdom of those who came before. Their legacy flows through us as a guiding light, inspiring us to walk with integrity, to honor our values, and to acknowledge the loving support that transcends this earthly plane.
My artwork 'Heritage of Light' also asks us to honor ourselves, recognizing that how we treat ourselves sets the foundation for the roles we play in the world. The energy we project—rooted in self-respect and our connection to ancestry—shapes the relationships and experiences we encounter. In honoring this sacred bond, we come to trust that we are always guided, always supported by a presence that goes beyond the physical world.
As spiritual teacher and peace activist, Thich Nhat Hanh expressed, “If we are peaceful, if we are happy, we can blossom like a flower, and everyone in our family, our entire society, will benefit from our peace” (Nhat Hanh, 2006). This quote reflects the idea that our inner harmony—nurtured by self-love, ancestral strength, and the understanding that we are spiritually connected—radiates outward, touching not only our lives but also the world around us.
Take a moment with 'Heritage of Light' and ask yourself: How are you honoring your roots today? How do you allow the soul-level strength of your ancestors to guide you in the many roles you navigate? And in doing so, what energy are you sending out into the world?
With love, Nina Lukisa
Nhat Hanh, T. (2006). Being Peace. Parallax Press.