Why did you accept the commission?
When we met, there was a natural rhythm between us, which I felt would allow the collaboration for this painting to be founded on a premise of mutual respect and friendship. Later, I was blown away by the subject matter and the timing, because I was grappling with many of the same issues after my mother's passing. It also seemed the perfect vehicle to incorporate my style of painting and further my own artistic growth. I was also looking forward to it, because I knew this painting would be a real challenge.

sense of personal dignity and moral reasoning. This has served as a handle that helped him to lift himself up with a way to reflect on society rather than just react to it. When I listen to “Jesus Walks,” I realize that his near-death experience allowed him to find that place inside that's fearless. Kanye was raised to have values, which means he has the opportunity to provide a moral alternative to the street. That's what makes him different from other rap artists.

What was his initial request of you for the painting? What stands out?
The Angel, that's what stands out. He said, “I want to see the angel coming down from Heaven and I want to be able to reach up and take the angel's hand. I want to take my chair, sit down and look up into the heavens and see what's happening, what's going on. I want to get lost in feeling.”

How did you respond?
The question I entertained after learning of Kanye's interest was: “What unfolds beyond the world of our physical existence when it is not your time?” My immediate thoughts were “Why an angel?” and “What does an angel do?” Then I remembered an angel is a messenger of God. What is the message to Kanye from God? That he is going to live and be more productive with his gift than ever. I knew that I would be reflecting on something which wasn't a typical phenomenon of life.

How did you prepare?
The initial process is almost meditative, where I allow the feelings and energy of the story I have heard fill up within me. Then the more technical aspects come in, like selecting the essential elements that contribute to the work other than the angel. What do I give creative emphasis to? There is Kanye's family, along with God's gifts to us in the form of the talents we possess. Since he didn't lose his life there is an element of reincarnation to consider and, of course, the accident itself. My goal for this painting was to create a work filled with the greatest dramatic tension, the most delicate sensibility and the most intense spiritual life. This painting had to portray that moment in time when God said, “Kanye, it is not your time.”