I got sober about 16 years ago and it was through the help of a local hospital that I began my journey. Since then, I have been able to rediscover my passion for art and creating. I tell you this because the work I do is an expression of the emotions and experiences I can now put down in color, thanks to that recovery. And it’s my way to communicate and share with others, to feel more “a part of” rather than “separated from.”
One of the things I have learned over time was that there were a whole lot of thoughts and feelings that were eating at me from the inside out … and to heal, I had to really look at them. That has translated into my art, as a way to reach out and connect with people, whether they are in recovery or not. I discovered that it’s ok to talk about the feelings and emotions that we keep bottled up or make us afraid. To heal mentally, emotionally and spiritually is, I think, just as intense and important as healing physically.
Every work is personal to me and are derived from an experience or emotion that I want the viewer to connect with. These emotions are explored through color, flowing figures, and expressive movement. Each is a story that goes far beyond what’s in front of you, compelling the viewer to reach back in time and relate through a new collective experience.
Before I got sober, I stopped painting for a long time. I had gone through a period where nothing came out of me that had any beauty. And then I started over. I found that I had a lot to say and it continues to unfold in the figures that I paint. Some will speak to you and some will not … but when you view them, take a moment to consider what the title and image mean to you … doing so will, I believe, make the experience more authentic and personal.
I have learned that my story isn’t the only one being told and that everyone brings their unique perspective. Hopefully these pieces will provide some ground we can explore together.
What first attracted me to participate in Art For The Journey’s gala is the idea that we can transform lives through art and community. But when I dug deeper and learned about what you are doing with with people of all ages, and backgrounds, including children, adults, veterans, women in recovery, institutionalized, cancer survivors and more, I knew this was a worthy event to be a part of and continue to support. I don’t have a lot of extra time or money for that matter…but I do have my art, so that’s why I continue to participate. It’s my way to connect and relate my own recovery experience. While my story can be much different from a vet or cancer survivor, I think that the feelings experienced might align. I want to support the idea that it’s ok to feel and talk about those things that we’d rather keep inside. Because shining a light on them with the help of the community can lessen their burden.
