I created this 12”X12”mixed media canvas inspired by the brave Palestinians living in horrific conditions while enduring a genocidal onslaught by Israel. I look at videos by people one the ground there and am heartbroken and enraged. One thing stands out to me within their misery; and that is the Palestinian people’s perseverance to still display their culture and joy for life. Amid ruins, you see them in groups dancing their Dabke and cheering each other in joyful expressions. Facing famine, Palestinian chefs, living in tents, are making videos of how they cook versions of Palestinian dishes with whatever food they can forage. Their determination to survive is expressed in everything they do.
This art piece consists of collage, acrylic ink and paint, pencil and gelatos.
Although I initially saw the piece being about the Palestine struggle; while creating it, I realized it also speaks to all people enduring battles and not just surviving but thriving. And for me, it really hit home regarding my struggle as an artist living with aggressive RA.
You see, I wanted to create floating flowers over the background that would really pop. So I cut each petal out of vibrant papers I had painted and printed.
But my hands were not cooperating. Due to my RA, my hands and fingers are very stiff, painful and I have lost dexterity. Cutting and gluing the flower petals was very difficult. Just holding paintbrushes and such results in constant drops. It was maddening.
But I persevered. I took more breaks and it took longer than before. My art is my version of brilliant flowers floating over my private war zone. This piece also speaks to all people who choose to celebrate joy and spread love while dealing with their own struggles. If you like this piece, you can buy a print of it in my Etsy shop.
When I feel defeated as an artist by my body’s inability to move pain-free or with my loss of hand dexterity, I often draw inspiration from the life of renowned Impressionist painter Pierre-August Renoir (1841-1919). Few people know that in the last several decades of his life, Renoir lived with debilitating rheumatoid arthritis. At a time when little could be done to treat the disease, Renoir, confined to a wheelchair, used his own ingenuity and positive thinking to devise and build contraptions that would hold the paintbrush to his crippled hands.
Over 200 of his beloved impressionist paintings created during these years hang in museums around the world. He is one of my heroes.
What a poignant and beautiful comparison between the Palestinian perseverance in fighting for freedom and justice and your continuing to seek ways to express yourself with your art despite the physical pain and onstacles you face.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Sometimes my process of creating often is motivated by unconscious connections that i do not see until later.
DeleteI learned thru you about Renoir's health condition at the end and his passion to what he loved most: Art. Keep inspiring many as your art is precious with meaningful messages.
DeleteOh, gracias comprima. We both have found joy with our art endeavors. You are a great photographer.
DeleteOpps that anonymous was me, Deb!
ReplyDelete