Musahar Child Painting by Faye Hall
(The following is Part 2 of a series of paintings by Signpost staff, Faye Hall. The inspiration for the paintings came from photographs Steve Bell brought back from Bangladesh in 2008. To view other paintings in the series, see the links at the bottom of the page.)
Steve Bell took a photograph of this young girl in the rural countryside Bihar region of India in a hamlet of the Musahar people. Musahar means “the rat eaters”. They don’t actually eat rats, but often survive by hunting for rat dens and robbing them of the grain the rats have stored there.
When we were viewing the photos, I was struck by the gorgeous, liquid eyes of this little girl, and I had to paint her. I wasn’t sure I could recreate how incredibly beautiful she was – her eyes spoke volumes of misery and pain – yet hope. When Steve saw her he was also mesmerized by her, and she appears briefly in the promotional video of the trip made by the Canadian Foodgrains Bank.
Original Photo by Steve Bell
Steve said, “Most aid experts agree that the education of a female child is probably the best investment in the fight against poverty – not only for the child but for the community. Through a local “Right-to-Food” program supported by Canadian Foodgrains Bank, members of the Musahar tribe are learning about their human rights and learning how to access social programs that will benefit them.”
- Faye Hall
Director of Order and Fulfillment, Signpost Music
To view other paintings in the series click below:
Posted on September 28th
[...] Part Two [...]
Posted on September 28th
[...] Part Two [...]
Posted on September 28th
[...] Part Two [...]
Posted on September 8th
I am once again blown away by the impact Steve Bell has on people who care deeply about the world. The stories, and insights he shares about his travels lend credibility to his music. His music communicates the beauty of the human soul created in the image of God.
Posted on August 13th
Beautiful. I met Steve at Star of the North Retreat house a couple of years ago. I admire his music and it has helped to bring my faith alive. there is a song for every mood. Thanks Steve
I think his ministry is very dynamic and this beautiful picture is an example of what I mean
many interests and many expressions
Posted on August 7th
We appreciate your emphasis on the plight of children at risk. Each of us has the potential to touch the lives of these little ones for whom Jesus died. “Together, we CAN make a difference”.
God bless your ministry.
Posted on August 5th
Faye and Steve: The girl is indeed mesmerizing. The photo captures some of that and the painting takes it to another level. Well done.dk