In this painting the burning money represents economic greed and delusion being the cause of destruction. The vision for this piece was formed almost half a year before the war took place in Ukraine. The Model is Ukrainian and when we met for the photoshoot we discussed the delights of her culture, (as I am a descendant of Ukrainian heritage through my great grandparents) only months before the devastation took place. The money represents greed/delusion and the flame represents destruction which is caused by a series of conditions and decisions made by people and the environment. The main condition which causes unnecessary destruction, is excessive greed and delusion.
On February 24th 2022 Putin with unrelenting patriotism declared an attack on Ukraine. Since its departure from Russian territory during the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 Putin has wanted Ukraine to join Russian territory. Putin was angry especially at America believing them to view Russia as becoming weak. He was going to do everything he could to prove their “strength.” After attacking Kiev and losing around 40,000 troops and not gaining control of the cities capital he began to monstrously order the Russian army to commit war crimes such as bombing hospitals, social centers and areas where refugees were fleeing.
Why is he willing to commit heinous acts just to show America that he is in control? Why does he need more control? Why is he committing war crimes against humanity to obtain more territory? Russia is already the largest country in the world.
In Buddhism rationalizations which form views are conditioned to emotional states which are a product of the environment. A right view is a view that comes from a skillful or kusula state. A state that is healthy and betters the health of others. A wrong view comes from an (akusula) unhealthy state that damages a person and others. Clearly these views are incredibly unhealthy and are forming rationalizations based on unskillful and damaging emotional states. This is the epitome of greed and delusion.
My heart goes out to all the people suffering greatly from this painful injustice. My wish is for peace to be restored.
A part of the earnings from this painting will be donated to Ukrainian families in need.
Link To References:
https://www.spencerzaborniakportraits.com/paintingdescriptions/howmuchdoesadollarcost
