For Lisa Long of Dublin, California, “human connection is vital to our existence—connection to each other, to nature, to ideas. These are all part of the great human experience. My work in paper cutting reflects this need for connection because each part is integral to the structure of the overall piece.” Spiritual leaders representing diverse faiths and cultural traditions are represented in her art, including Mahatma Ghandi, Mother Teresa, and the Dalai Lama. A Muslim woman, a Sikh man, an Orthodox Jewish man, and a Hindi woman “who live their religious beliefs” are also integral to the composition.