Title:

Connection

Dimensions: 24″ x 36″

Technique: Acrylic on Canvas

Before

I began with the words on the canvas the embodied the darker side (on the left) and the lighter side (on the right).

After

Words that I noticed that stood out. It’s like a ”word search”
inside of a painting.

Story

On a weekly Community Call with Tanya Griffins, on June 12,2020 I offered to donate a painting to the foundation. Tanya and I met to discuss the painting on June 22, 2020. She shared the story of the importance of connection and the amazing people that have been inspired through this people connected to the foundation. She educated me about Empowerment, Advocacy, Education, and Awareness, the 4 main aspects of what drives the caring community. She also  mentioned the amazing work and advocacy of Paul Dalio and his movie “Touched with Fire.”

While I have not experienced bi-polar, I connected to the cause because when I was in college, I went through some dark times. I was so focused on being perfect, I had an obsessive compulsive disorder that caused me to spend 15 minutes each night to set my alarm. I had strong anxiety and there was one night in particular, where my mind would not stop racing and had suicidal thoughts. That night, the only thing that calmed me was a ”Desert Winds” CD that calmed it enough to sleep. The next day I spoke with my parents. I needed help and with their help and support, I began seeing a counselor. I saw how important it is to have support during tough times. After those dark times, over the years I have made conscious choices to work on the lighter side with a mission and message to help others enjoy life daily.

I still struggle with perfectionism something I still struggle with and because of abstract art, I can let it go and blend colors in a way that allows the lines and rules of the world behind. 

I painted this with a lot of emotion. When I finished the piece, I was exhausted and felt a little sick. I had to lie down. I felt like it was my final transcendence of going through the pain and challenges over the years. Thank you for allowing me to share this story with you and how I hope this piece is as therapeutic to you as it was for me to see, out of the challenges that mental illness causes…the beauty.

In joy,

Began Painting:

Sunday, August 16, 2020, 7:34 am

Music that was playing while painting:

Rocco Ventrella: On the road

Bob Baldwin: Back to Basics

Words included on painting:

450,000,000

Mental Illness

Depression

Panic Attack

Dark

Emotional Trauma

Don’t know how to…

Ask for Help

Connection

Equanimity

Doorway to Deeper Compassion

Compassion

Acknowledgment

Caring Community

Inspiration

Empowerment,

Advocacy

Education

Awareness

Touched with Fire

CANVAS AND PRINTS AVAILABLE