Painting is healing for me. It is my space to just “be” and create…to play, to experiment, to find happy moments and even mysterious moments. It’s always been what I turn to (along with a hefty dose of Jesus) when I’m frustrated with chronic pain.
Of Rust and Glass, a publisher and Midwest literature and arts magazine based out of Northwest Ohio, selected my painting “Love by Day” as the cover art for the July PASSIONS issue. I’m honored and elated to see my beloved painting on the cover. I hope the magazine reaches many people and brings joy, just as these red flowers have brought me joy. You will also be able to see additional paintings inside the magazine and read more about my background. You will be able to read a fabulous selection of poems and short stories from some fine creators.
I have been a part of the Of Rust and Glass Facebook group for a couple of years after a friend introduced me to the group. It’s wonderful to be part of a creative community that regularly shares their work. You will find poetry, art, videos, and short stories each day. You will find real people sharing their souls, while also sharing success and challenges.
I painted these flowers on a day I struggled with pain from my autoimmune disease, ulcerative colitis. While I have had surgery to remove my colon completely, I am still having some problems and complications from that surgery and a second surgery is looming. As I get more nervous, I also get more creative.
Late at night or early in the morning, you can find me laying out my protective tablecloth, arranging my palettes on the counter, filling my stained water jars, and selecting a few paintbrushes. I stare at a blank sheet of paper. So many possibilities exist. I never know what the final painting will look like. The purpose of this time is to just play and forget about my pain. I want to create something beautiful and somewhat mysterious with splashes of color. I create layers and create a story.
In this painting “Love by Day”, I see love and affection. I see romance and I see the beauty that love brings us, in all its forms, every day. I see a mystery unfolding, too. What do you see?
You can visit the Of Rust and Glass website here and find the Facebook community here. The July PASSIONS issue will be released on July 30, 2023, in E-zine and print form. You can subscribe on the website.
I can’t wait to see future creations as they unfold and how I will share those creations with others.
Do you struggle with pain? Do you have any healing therapies like painting, writing, or making music?