Betsy Walton US, b. 1968

The Protector involves these two concepts combined of Internal Family System Theory and the Buddhist concept Sunyata. Internal Family Systems theory is the idea that we all have protectors, managers, and exiles, and we have a core self who knows how to heal and lead all of our parts. In The Protector the red figure is the protector, the blue figure the exile. The void in the center is inspired by the Buddhist concept Sunyata. Sunyata, in Buddhist philosophy, the voidness that constitutes ultimate reality; sunyata is seen not as a negation of existence but rather as the undifferentiation out of which all apparent entities, distinctions, and dualities arise. (from encyclopedia Britannica)

"This image came to me in the Spring of 2021, and I think it reflects my experience of being worn down and exhausted by the pandemic and all the upheaval, yet still needing to bring a protective energy into my world to preserve my health and wellbeing." –Betsy Walton