Cause for Hope

Known for his subliminal storytelling, local artist Mark Jamnik's distinctive style of abstract art prompts curiosity and inspiration with every canvas he creates.

A few months ago, Jamnik collaborated with our twenty-four Catwalk for a Cause models - our Ambassadors of Hope -  who were asked to reflect on what hope and dignity mean to them. In this guest blog post, he shares the vision and evolution of a unique piece of art that will be showcased and auctioned at the November 8 Catwalk for a Cause Event.

cause for hope | Mark Jamnik

Over 3 separate evenings held at Porsche Bend, Catwalk models had their headshots taken, shared their Furnish Hope videos inspiration,and contributed their interpretation of “Dignity Runs Deep” and “Light of Hope” on a 5’ x 6’ canvas. I reviewed each contribution, reflected on the conversations over those evenings and read any scripture that was contributed in its entirety. Before I painted, I prayed over the canvas. After several treatments over multiple weeks, the finished work was revealed at a model meeting on August 25, 2025. The canvas was sent off to be professionally photographed and displayed at the Furnish Hope store, leading up to the November 8 “Catwalk for a Cause” evening where it will be auctioned off to raise funds for Furnish Hope. 

Canvas Story

This work preliminarily began on May 2, 2025, when I met Megan at Furnish Hope headquarters to discuss the kickoff event to be held in preparation for the Catwalk for a Cause event.

On June 11, after canvas preparations were made, Furnish Hope picked up the 5’x6’ canvas and delivered it to Porsche Bend where the models would gather for video filming and head shots. Being involved in the kickoff and event held in November is an incredible honor, and having a lifelong passion for cars, especially Porsches…this was a dream come true. On June 12, the Subliminal Art Experiences team arrived to set up other Subliminal Story Art works to provide examples of how the final work could appear. 

After the models arrived, the evening kicked off with a video of Furnish Hope’s most recent “Chair” raise. Megan shared details about the fundraising journey that the models would be embarking on. After the logistics were covered, each model introduced themself and shared a brief story about themselves. The next round of introductions included Megan from Kendall Cares, Andrew, the photographer and videographer, and then the  Subliminal Art Experiences team. Megan, from Furnish Hope, explained the “prompts” for their inspirational contribution - “Dignity Runs Deep” on the left side of the canvas and “Light of Hope” on the right side.

After the models collected their packets, they individually entered the photo/video studio, shared their inspiration for “why” they said yes to being a model and then contributed to the canvas. I interacted with the models and was repeatedly reminded - very lovingly - that I was speaking loudly and they could hear me in the video. When I wasn’t speaking too loudly, I enjoyed listening and seeing the intention behind the contributions, which would elicit a deeper intention when I started the painting process. 

On July 26, I began the canvas. Each contribution was read and reflected on from the conversations that colored in more of the details behind each model’s “why.” There were a few scripture contributions, and I opened my bible to read Romans Chapter 5 to read the scripture in its entirety. 

Before picking up a paintbrush to get started, I prayed over the painting. The paint colors selected are all Furnish Hope’s brand colors for Furnish Hope, including the primary and secondary colors. Selecting the first color, I began with black, knowing the light of hope would shine through. It would also showcase the clothing options the models would be wearing for the evening. Black to reflect “dignity runs deep” and white/gold to reflect “light of hope.” In Matthew 5:15, “And people don't hide a light under a bowl. They put it on a lamp stand so the light shines for all the people in the house.” 

Each model had a unique perspective of how they were focusing their effort on raising and worked on capturing the individuality while blending the contributions. The first treatment reflected the balance of “dignity runs deep” and “light of hope.” The second treatment was applied later in the day, after the first treatment had a chance to dry. Several quotes that I was reflected on ended up making it through all the treatments, and others were covered, simply because of the full expression of the work. There were many more colors added to the second treatment although two colors were omitted from first and second treatments. When I circled back for the third treatment a week later, those two colors prominently appeared.

The Process | Step by Step

On Aug 2, I added the third and final treatment to the canvas. During this treatment, I discovered the depth of the contributions through the texture. Upon reflection, there are matted color aspects and vibrant color textures highlighting how “dignity runs deep” AND “light of hope” can coexist. The idea is designed to make a difference and bring light to a challenging situation. When others go through difficulties, there are always two perspectives on that, which is reflective in the colors, sheen, and textures.

This canvas showcases the lightness that reflects the details of people bringing their gifts. When dignity runs deep, the light of hope can truly serve our community. 

Without further ado…enjoy the making of “cause for hope.”