Reclamation

2020

20″ W x 16″ H

Acrylic on Wood

SOLD

This painting is part of a creative collaboration series involving the gathering of testimonies from  individuals who have, or still are, enduring some sort of neurological challenge. Each piece of art represents a person’s description of how their cognitive impairment feels and affects their ability to thrive and connect to the world around them.  Creating art in response to these stories is my way of advocating and coming alongside each, giving a voice and platform for sharing such personal experiences, knowing they can validate and encourage so many who have experienced the same, or provide a valuable resource for further study and treatment.

This painting was in response to the first interview with a friend courageously sharing her experience of and recovery from a spontaneous brain bleed. The image represents the transition phase of healing and recovery – the reality of the bloodshed, foggy confusion, and hopeful pursuit of some sort of peace and order again. This neuron is caught in the throes of the healing process, turbulent yet progressive, with its fight for new life coming from its bright, light-filled center.

Hidden throughout are hummingbirds which have a unique neural process allowing them to take in visual information from all sides at an amazing rate of speed. They are depicted bound, but in the process of being loosed to pursue openings of blue sky and life once again in wider spaces.

About the Neuron Series

My expressive paintings on neuron-centric subject matter advocate for communities in the realms of rare disease, neuroscience, and mental health. The content originated with my daughter’s rare genetic disorder. I became intrigued by the complexity and beauty of the human brain, inspired by the hope of its ability to re-circuit around inflicted damage.

I bring expressionistic, experiential fine art to the scientific community, yet incorporate scientific research and structure into the world of artistic expression. While the genre of digital neuro imaging is emerging, my unique approach weaves this ground-breaking content with human experience, creativity and painterly tradition - supporting fine art’s foothold amidst the growing influence of technology. My imagery intentionally blurs the lines of the abstract and physiological - recognizable as neurons to those with a trained eye but inclusive to all who are curious.