Project Luce —
A series of acrylic paintings by Inca Siojo, dedicated to those struggling with mental and emotional health
What is Project Luce? —
Project Luce is a series of 10 paintings I am selling (only within Canada), with 100% of the proceeds going to Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries. Prices range from $40 - $150. Your support will help spread awareness, and provide resources to those who are living with mental health challenges.
Each painting is inspired from a Bible passage that has helped me in my own rough seasons.
But first, who am I and why mental health? —
Hi! I'm Inca from Vancouver, Canada. I've been working as a graphic designer and illustrator for 8+ years.. and this is the first time I've tackled a project like this!
Last summer, God put it upon my heart to start a project for those who are going through the same storm I found myself in 5 years ago. This 2021, I am “celebrating” 5 years since I was diagnosed with anxiety... which could easily turn into depression if it gets too much.
At the beginning of this journey, I found myself in a dark and fear-filled place with no path forward. Most mental health stories I heard were the difficult ones that didn’t echo a message of hope. Because of that, I had to work through the stigma I placed upon myself and what this cross meant for me. It brought me to a major crisis in my faith. I was angry at God for allowing this particular suffering into my life.
However, in the midst of it all, God's steadfast love and mercy kept coming through. He showed His constant presence through my family, friends, and community, and the therapists and doctors I’ve worked with. He comforted me through the talents He himself gave me (creating art, singing, and cooking are very helpful!), and through the people I’ve met who have dealt with similar storms and brought light into the darkness that I felt.
The strength of those who shared their stories has inspired me to carry on. I still have to manage my difficult days and seasons, but I know I’m doing much better now.
I’m not the first person to live with anxiety and depression, and I won’t be the last. This is why Project Luce exists - to bring hope to those who feel hopeless. I chose Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries as the recipient because of their mission to equip the Church to support mental health and wellbeing.
"Our hope for you is unshaken; for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort." - 2 Corinthians 1:7
To the Bearers of Light (SOLD)
This piece is inspired by and dedicated to those who are further along the journey I found myself on. They have blessed me with prayers, encouragement, and grace to keep going. Through them, I am reminded that suffering is not meaningless if it becomes a light for those who find themselves in the same place.
In the Land of the Living (SOLD)
Psalm 27 is one of my favourite psalms that reminds me to hope in the Lord. It reminds me that even in long periods of darkness, the hope of the Lord is always near.
Never Alone (SOLD)
We all deal with hurt, trauma (even the small ones), and negative thoughts. During those times, it can be hard to argue with these thoughts and prove them to be untrue. In those moments, it is important to remember that we are loved, cherished, and prayed for... and that our Lord still fights for us.
Rest in His Grace (SOLD)
A smaller, close-up version of the first painting, To the Bearers of Light. In times of trials, it is difficult to focus on anything other than how daunting everything feels. Psalm 131 is a reminder of honesty and surrender towards the Lord - one step at a time.
Among the Waves (SOLD)
Big emotions can come and go like waves. We can't fight or control them, but we can cling on to the Lord as He extends His grace and peace.
In Gentleness (SOLD)
We are often pulled in different directions. It can be challenging to make sense of it all. When we choose to step back from all the noise instead of allowing ourselves to get entangled in it, then we are better able to accept the grace of God, His direction, and the peace only He can give.
He Restores My Soul (SOLD)
Whenever I think of the still waters from Psalm 23, I think of a stream that is teeming with life, while also gentle and calming. I believe God revives our spirits like these still waters.
In the Palm of His Hand (SOLD)
Our mental and emotional capacity can be filled up and drained by many aspects of our lives. Sometimes, we've done all we could and things still don't turn out the way we want them to. At some point, the only thing we can do is lean on the Lord, gaze at Him, and trust that He will carry us through.
Tapestry (SOLD)
I heard a homily on suffering, and how we could find meaning when things in our life don't make sense. The priest likened life to a tapestry, wherein all we see is the underside of it - all the messy loops and overlapping threads that don't look good together. Meanwhile, God sees the bigger picture that is woven - a beautiful tapestry unimaginable to us.
A Story of Ascents (SOLD)
Hannah Hurnard's allegorical novel, Hinds' Feet on High Places, speaks of a character named Much-Afraid. Much-Afraid wants to be full of love and always with the Lord. In her journey, Sorrow and Suffering were appointed as her guides. It is a tale of perseverance and reliance on Christ in spite of the persistent calls of pride, envy, fear, and resentment.
OH HEY, FOR BEST VIEWING, YOU'LL NEED TO TURN YOUR PHONE