The Venice Theatre - The Amish Project
The Silent Witnesses
Quite observers in a changing world, untouched yet not unaffected!
In this poignant and introspective exhibition Silent Witnesses invites viewers into the serene yet complex world of the Amish-a community defined by simplicity, faith, and an enduring connection to the land, Through a series of expressive portraits and environmental scenes, this collection of drawing offers more than a visual narrative; it present a contemplative dialogue between tradition and disruption, between inward devotion and the harsh realities that sometimes pierce even the most insulated lives
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The individuals depicted are not merely subject-they are silent witnesses They stand at the margins of modernity, observing a world that moves at a pace and with a chaos foreign to their values, Yet, they are not immune to the tremors of change Within their communities, moments arise-tragedies, moral reckonings and spiritual trials-that clash with their deeply held beliefs, shaking the foundation of their quiet existence.
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This exhibition does not seek to sensationalize, but rather to humanize. It reveals the tension of people caught between steadfast faith and the moral complexities of the modern world. WIth each pencil stroke, the viewer is invited into the inner sanctum of solitude, where grief confusion, and spiritual struggle give way to deeper silence
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Silent Witnesses is a visual mediation on endurance on the human spirit's ability to observe, absorb, and ultimately seek refuge in stillness-when the external world becomes too loud to bear
by Paul Toliver
It's amazing Amish people in Sarasota Florida! What a wonderful discovery. Everyone I know have always been fascinated by the mysteries of Amish life. When right here in Orlando's backyard...we have Amish.
Here's Paul talking about the Amish and the Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative... (Click the photo to watch the interview)
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Art by Wonda Granville
It Looks Like Rain
How often do you get a hang out with a Buddy on a beautiful "look like rain" day, and chat? It was one of the favorite things to do growing up in the country, it's good to see if not a forgotten art.
By the Lake
The simple life, sitting on a bucket...just fishing!!!
No worries about cars, when a bicycle will do, the easy
life, the Amish life.
The Wisdom of Time
Elderly Amish woman sitting and thinking. It's a wonderful thing to sit in a position of intrigue, discovery and study of the human experience. Especially from the Amish perspective..
Baking Away Time
An elderly Amish woman sitting at a table with a sheet cake. If you know anything about the Amish is that they are people of excellence. Excellent house construction, excellent quilt maker, bakers, cooks and gardeners, etc. etc. What a life to be Amish!
The Mounted Cops
Policeman and Amish gentleman admiring the deputized horse. As the artist, this is my favorite drawing from this collection. I particularly like the way the policeman arm is drawn. Funny, but artist like me appreciate the most usual things about a piece of art. And I do like the horse as well.
Together
Amish couple standing together, This drawing is indicative of couples everywhere. We have our husbands or wives to stand together, lend on, support and weather the storms of life "together." Love transcends everything.
Afternoon Ice Cream
Two Amish men enjoying ice cream on a bench outside of an Ice Cream Shop. I can only wonderful what favors of ice cream they pick. The gentleman on the left looks like a "cookies and cream" kinda guy and his friend is definitely a 'rocky road' fella.
Ride, Amish Girl, Ride
Young Amish girl riding her bike. This Amish girl is obviously very pretty, surely everything she does will be poetic because she attire, the softness of her Amish bonnet, and her every movement is like a complex sonnet.
Amish School
Amish teacher standing in front of the blackboard teaching math. This drawing invoke discipline, and a flood of memories of elementary school. The drawing is universal, because I'm sure upon looking at it, we all become Amish students waiting on class dismissal.,
