Empathy for Lona
I was telling Andy about my past when I found myself saying “wow, that must have been traumatic for me”. It was the first time I had that much empathy for my past self rather than shame or self judgement. I thought about what it must have been like to be a 4 year old little girl taken away from an extended family that showered her with constant joy and love to then meet her father in the US - a man she didn’t know & who brought terror into her life - in a country that was completely foreign and with no money, immersed in a language she did not speak. When I look at my past with empathy, I forgive myself for everything. I am who I am for a million different reasons, and that is a beautiful thing. Not everyone may agree and that’s okay. My regret is that I have hurt people along the way and that was never my intention. I suppose I am trying to atone for mistakes I have made. Art and telling my story has helped me heal. One day, I hope to help others heal too. Maybe I already am.
(07.13.19)
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Also in Personal Art Blog
Interactive Murals for Kyruus
Maternity Series - Artist Statement
Color is a focus of my work for a variety of reasons, but the main reason is for healing. My father was an angry and violent man. He took out his rage on his family daily and I took it upon myself to protect my mother and brother from him by becoming the focus of his fury. We didn’t have much, but my mother filled our home with colorful art to bring radiance into an otherwise dark place. I followed in her footsteps and escaped into vibrant art of all shapes and forms. Getting into the flow of mindful art creation has been the single most important part of my healing. I hope to share the happiness that colorful art brings me with others, especially children.
