Artist Statement

I began this painting with no particular intention in mind except to indulge myself with paint. Before long, the image of my head began to emerge. I saw the pain on the right side of my head and the fear of pain on the left side of my head. I saw a discarded pink dancing shoe symbolizing the things I could no longer participate in, but I also saw a beautiful bird, which to me represented new opportunities. I painted all the medications I have tried and still take; how I fear them and what they do to my body. Still, I depend on these medications and want them. My torn face shows how the drugs have distorted and changed me. I was shocked to see these images. I always tried so hard to forget about the pain and put on my mask of well being. I didn’t want to whine, and I didn’t want to feel sorry for myself.