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Why paint for Pa?

Why "Paint for Pa"?



In August of 2010, I spent three days with my dad in the hospital. He had 99% blockage in his right coronary artery, which the cardiologist fixed by putting in a stint. Miraculously, the problem was addressed just in time. In December 2009, he survived a heart attack. In April of 2010, my mom was hospitalized for atrial fibrillation. That September, she survived and fully recovered from a stroke. I am beyond grateful that they are both still with me. However, in the midst of these health problems, I am left with a sense of helplessness. Other than being present to them, encouraging a healthy lifestyle and making them tons of delicious veg food, I am not quite sure what to do. I found the answer.



I recently developed a love for painting. I love painting solo, with friends, first thing in the morning and late into the night. It brings me peace. We have several of my pieces displayed in our house and hanging any more would be narcissistic. I want to share them with people. My plan is to sell my paintings on this blog. 100% of the profits will be donated to the American Heart Association, in honor of my parents. The donations will be used for cardiovascular research and educational programs. I hope other families can be as fortunate as mine. Thanks for your support!

Saturday, January 22, 2011

"Balance"


"Balance" – This painting was inspired while driving home from a long, rough day on the job. I found myself in tears reflecting on the pain and suffering of one child and family I am supporting. I thought about how some say as a social worker, I need to desensitize a bit and keep work at work. I then began thinking about how this is an impossible task. I am absolutely unable to observe the suffering of another individual without empathizing with them, thus experiencing pain myself. One school of thought would suggest that in order for a social worker to remain healthy and endure a long career, that she must maintain some distance. When I volunteered for a year in Birmingham, AL at a homeless shelter through the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, the philosophy was to live among and in solidarity with the poor. This philosophy is much more in alignment with my own ideology. By the end of the drive, I concluded that neither is right nor wrong, but rather I must constantly be seeking a perfect balance. The background of this painting is purple, as blend of red (energy, fire, speed, violence) and blue (tranquility, water, calm, peace). The core of the painting is a yin yang, an image representing the Chinese philosophy of balance.

For Sale: $30

10x10

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