Artists have a role to play in identifying the issues that matter. They range from the very personal to the universal. My most recent paintings are about human connections across perceived boundaries—race, class, gender. Breaking down the artificial differences between people is the goal behind “Look Me in the Eye,” a series of paintings now underway in which individuals confront the viewer visually, emerging from a background of abstract elements drawn from nature, culture and the urban environment. Previous work has explored the theme of boundaries more generally, and of breaching boundaries, as in The Bee Queen. Communication seems possible, even between species, to those willing to look and listen openly. Abstract background elements consistently provide the environment for the story.