"I got the message about Tamayo while I was on the mission boat in the Amazon- we had internet one night for about 10 minutes then none for another three days- the whole time I was perplexed at how something so radical and tragic could happen to someone with such joy. All I could think about was this image of him being in true paradise sitting in calm waters and Emilia reaching up to him underwater while he waits for her in heaven.

I didn’t know Tamayo for a long time but that’s what was so amazing is you could know him for even a day and see that God shines through everything he does and his infectious personality- when I spoke with Tamayo and Emilia at Third Stone they told me their love story and I’ve never seen a couple so unaffected by age in how they were so excited about each other and life / adventure together like they just met the day before

Yesterday the community coming together was overwhelming as we sent off Tamayo- but it won’t always be like this. This painting is for Emilia on the days when it’s hard- God will strengthen those who feel weak and we will all meet again soon. I always put gold in my paintings, it’s the way I like to bring physical light to my art. I intentionally made the ray of light above Tamayo reach down in to the darkest depths beneath them by the coral in the piece- as a visual testimony God can work through any tragedy. Wishing healing and prayers over the Perry family and everyone who’s been touched by them."

​

“And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”Luke 23:42-43

​

-Post Caption for artwork release

​

I brought the painting to the Tamayo Perry Memorial Celebration of Life and Paddle starting at Sunset Beach Elementary to be presented to the Perry Family

​

The following weekend First Friday Haleiwa held an art and music fundraiser where local artists had the chance to donate work, services, and music for the Perry family. I created two prints of the original painting, went back in with real gold paint and acylic paint and sold the two for the event. 

​

​​​Prayers and God bless to The Perry family. ​