Washington, D.C. As in Moses' time, members of the St. Martins Spiritual Church remove their shoes during the annual "flower bowl demonstration" because during this service they walk on holy ground after 1942

This photograph, by Gordon Parks, captures a moment during the flower bowl demonstration at the St. Martins Spiritual Church in Washington, D.C. The composition uses light and shadow to create a sense of depth and reverence. There's an incredible stillness in this image, yet it's full of subtle movements. Notice how Parks captures the texture of the women's dresses, the smoothness of their skin, and the rough surface of the floor. The contrast between light and dark creates a beautiful, almost sculptural quality. It reminds me of how, when I'm painting, I often build up layers of color and texture, each mark responding to the previous one, creating a history of the process. Look at the woman in the foreground, her gaze directed upward. The texture of her dress is velvety and contrasted against the paper fan she holds. This act of removing shoes, walking barefoot on holy ground, connects the women to something ancient and powerful. It’s a conversation across time.