Artist Statement

A seed harbors potential; some will grow to offer a refreshing shady spot, sweet fruit or fragrant and perfectly symmetrical blossoms.  Other seeds will root deeper, influence our lives and touch our hearts - for hidden within the cell structure are plant alkaloids which will offer comfort and healing to our neighbors, our sisters, our fathers – our loved ones who are fighting a battle with Cancer. 

Power Within is a collection of artwork focused on plants which have alkaloids able to battle cancer cells.  The collection was created to honor and recognize the strength required of Cancer patients/survivors, the medical team and those who love and support both sides.  Presented as a flexible exhibit with the ability to travel to rural venues, Power Within was cultivated into existence with financial support from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA) with a grant from the Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts.  Under a tight deadline I found myself challenged and energized by making art on a daily basis while confirming details of host venues and developing related marketing materials for the eight stop “tour” all in under five months.

Originally developed for a varied rural audience who may or may not have a background in art appreciation, Power Within fulfills several project goals.  The collection exposes patrons to a “visual tasting” of styles and mediums offered by acrylic paintings (presented in realistic, abstract and stylized forms), block prints and mixed media pieces, while also providing educational awareness concerning the Cancer-fighting plants presented by the exhibit.  Power Within was selected by the PCA as one of four projects chosen from over 600 projects, to be recognized as a 2014 Best of the Best Project.

It is difficult to summarize the artistic growth that I feel resulted from the experience of creating Power Within, I can share that my previous boundaries were left behind.  I began each piece by painting a personal symbol onto the substrate, quietly asking for peace and comfort to be embedded in the painting for the viewer.   I would then continue to paint the surface, covering the simple design and  moving on to create my work of art.  During visits to the host sites I was blessed to witness first hand the impact of visual art when on several occasions a stranger would share that viewing the paintings simply made them feel good.  Their statements conveyed with such ease and honesty confirmed for me that my intent to offer comfort truly came through in the exhibit and I have continued to embed kind words and caring thoughts in my work since.