Story of a Comeback: In 2006, I was in a car accident and experienced chronic migraines. These subsequently lead to a diagnosis of fibromyalgia in 2009. At this time, it was as if I was caught in a long, dark tunnel. The tunnel was the dealing with the debilitating pain. I almost thought I wouldn’t be able to do art again.

 To my surprise, there were steps at the end of the tunnel that led to a new place. The first steps started by my working with fused glass. This was something I could work with because of the small and more easily contained nature of the work. I was finding meaning and new strength through the journey as I slowly made my way through the darkness. I found renewal and new energy because of the art that was finding its way back into my life.

The Color of Healing: Turquoise has always been a favorite color of mine. It seemed to always find its way into my art; turquoise glass, and touches of it here and there. It’s a strong color that I’ve always been attracted to. The fusion of blue and green color has always had to be a part of my work. It’s a feeling of centrality and balance. This old favorite became a symbol of the healing light, the healing touch and a force that kept me going through adversity. It’s like my life becomes right somehow when turquoise is present. It continues to find its way into my art, whether in a subtle hint of the color or as a strong and obvious presence.

The New: Paintings and Drawing: I began to work with my old figurative drawings as a way to get back into painting because with fibromyalgia, it was too painful to hold gourds. I realized I could paint easier and play with color. It was more pleasurable for me. One of the few things, I could still do was keep experimenting with acrylic inks, Luna-papers, ice [glitter], colored inks, color-changing nail enamel, acrylic paints, gloss gel medium, gel pens, and different sizes of glitter. In working with paintings and drawings, I start with color and move to the design. The patterns and textures come as I carefully follow wherever the color wants to take me. The colors of the paints and drawings reminded me that one can’t have light, happiness, and growth without pain and darkness. As I embraced and accepted the pain, I found a new light that brings joy as it dances before my eyes, upon the frames, on the walls in front of you. My vision is that these paintings and drawings may provide similar inspiration and lightness for other women who have worked with their own versions of healing and courage.