A couple of weeks ago our wonderful family of Artists experienced a harsh dose of reality. One of our fellow artists went into emergency surgery to remove a fist-sized tumor from her brain that had gone unnoticed for almost a decade.
After the dust settled and the shock wore off, if only a bit, our good friend organized a Healing Portrait Painting Party at his studio.
We each took turns painting and collaging on the canvas, capturing different aspects of our friend and her personality. Her love of swinging, a picture of her dog, a photo of a woman hiking, beautiful flowers. I'd like to say we all bowed to each other's vision...but no. We painted over each other's work, we added colors and layers over different pictures, we all wanted to make adjustments.
But as each artist stepped back and glanced from the painting to our friend, we each returned to the same goal. To capture her likeness, to heal our shocked hearts and her stapled head.
After the dust settled and the shock wore off, if only a bit, our good friend organized a Healing Portrait Painting Party at his studio.
We each took turns painting and collaging on the canvas, capturing different aspects of our friend and her personality. Her love of swinging, a picture of her dog, a photo of a woman hiking, beautiful flowers. I'd like to say we all bowed to each other's vision...but no. We painted over each other's work, we added colors and layers over different pictures, we all wanted to make adjustments.
But as each artist stepped back and glanced from the painting to our friend, we each returned to the same goal. To capture her likeness, to heal our shocked hearts and her stapled head.
It's times like these that reinforce my belief that Art, and Artists, have a truly important and worthwhile role in our society. I feel so blessed to be part of such a talented and nurturing group.
9 comments:
Wow, Kristina. What a beautiful blog! I think what you all did as artists and friends really helps all of you, including your friend.
What a lovely gift! I like that you all came together, bringing your love and your pain, to create and heal in such a unique way. You are part of something very special.
I would love to see the bridge painting when it's done. It looks like an amazing piece!
what a beautiful picture for your friend, its just awe inspiring
wow now that is a great way to work as a group. Love it.
That was a lovely and uplifting post. Best wishes for a speedy recovery to your fellow artist and friend.
What a wonderful idea for your friend and your group of artists...I wish her healing...and art is a good channel for nurturing and discussion about sickness and healing...
Susan...that painting is by Matthew Craven! Very talented. That is the largest piece I've seen him tackle.
http://matthewcravenart.com/welcome.shtml
thanks for all the kind comments everyone! Our dear friend is looking at Chemo next and at least 6 months of no driving due to seisures. We will all have to pull together and help.
wow! this is an amazing uplifting story. Thank you for sharing.
I saw your portrait of Leta on 'Dooce' today & was inspired to pay you a visit.
I am an artist working in New York on Long Island. I mostly take pictures but I love to paint too.
Like you I love all mediums.
Nice to meet you.
: )
and so nice to meet you too, Lily! Thank you for the kind comment :)
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