We Are One: Collaboration Is Key

We need collaboration at times to accomplish what would otherwise be difficult or impossible. Artwork by Susan E. Brooks

I’m the worst at trying to go it alone. An introverted artist, I prefer to work on my writing and my art in solitude. That’s okay for some situations, but for others, we desperately need collaboration. We need each other because in many ways, we are one, and we cannot be whole without sharing life together.

As it is, there are many parts, but one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!”

— I Corinthians 12:20-21 (NIV)

Collaboration at the Farm

My son runs a small farm in Kentucky. For his birthday, he wanted all of us to come help with some projects he hadn’t been able to complete on his own.

“Mom, I need you and all the adults to help separate the two youngest sheep from the herd. Joshua and I have tried but haven’t been able to catch them. We’ll line up with our arms stretched out and walk toward them. Watch out for the ram! He crashed out of his cage like it was nothing. Dodge the big sheep if they come toward you but tackle the two younger ones.”

Seven of us lined up like a cutout paper doll chain and closed in on the skittish sheep. Our targets, the two younger ones, were only slightly smaller than the others. My son Kirk pointed them out, and the chain shrunk closer. The older sheep seemed to know what was happening and scattered out of the way—no ram-dodging necessary.

As we moved in on the two youngsters, they panicked and plunged toward my younger son and teenage grandson. My grandson tackled and hoisted the sheep into his arms and started toward the barn, the fat, fluffy sheep contrasting with his lanky, wiry frame. My younger son Joseph’s catch nearly wriggled out of his arms, and my future son-in-law came to the rescue.

What the farmer and his son had not been able to accomplish alone, all of us working together managed within a few minutes, working as one.

We Are One Community

One of my favorite art projects in recent years has been collaboration with Kentucky Refugee Ministries (KRM) in my hometown of Louisville, Ky. In 2018, and then again in 2020, KRM has invited local artists to collaborate on art projects in celebration of the foreign-born who have come to our city. In 2018, we had music shows and art receptions, but in 2020 KRM had to be more creative. Working together with the city officials, they decided to make art completely accessible to the public without risking the health of the community. They envisioned large banners made from local art that would hang from public buildings where everyone could access the art. Showing up around the city, the banners celebrate who we are together as one community.

The artist standing with a banner made from her art — Kentucky Refugee Ministries collaborated with local artists and printers to make art accessible to our entire community. Here I am with a banner made from my artwork, which was based on the photo archives of Kentucky Refugee Ministries.

We will accomplish more if we work together. May God help us remember we are one in Christ.

Got any stories or examples of collaboration to share? I’d love to hear them in the comments!

If you’re interested in my artwork, come see my solo show at KORE Gallery, 942 E. Kentucky St., Louisville, Ky. “Journeys to Peace” runs from March 3 thru April 4. The gallery hours are Wednesday thru Saturday 11-6, Sundays 12-4.

I’m an artist who loves to write. If you’d like to get to know me better, please follow me on social media.

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