The Giver is an acrylic portrait that expresses a glorious burden—the challenge of bringing literacy resources to struggling readers.
As an instructional coach, I have the privilege of working alongside many empathetic, hard-working people who share this mission. People who look into the eyes of students and see the pain that results from not being able to read. And although the task is daunting, roll up their sleeves to do what it takes to get them the resources they need.
Recently, I posted the painting in process on Facebook and asked people to weigh in on what they thought. I had struggled with the painting and wasn’t sure I liked the results
Then the unexpected happened: without knowing the back story, people left comments that captured her essence.
The first comment helped me to explain why I painted The Giver:
“I don’t know why she looks broken. Like she’s been hurt and you can see it in her eyes.” – Amy