ARTISTS INSPIRATION

As a physician, I spent my adult life as a very "left brained" analytical person.  It took a medical catastrophe that left me severely disabled and with chronic pain to see the world through a different  lens.  I woke up from a 4-week coma completely paralyzed with only the ability to open my eyes. The world was reduced to what could be seen and heard. ​

 

I notice everything around me.  In the beginning my vision was blurred so I particularly enjoyed bright colors.  Over time my vision returned to normal, I spent long hours of the hospital day looking out the window at every detail.  The sky was not only blue, but a multitude of colors that was ever-changing.  Thankfully after 7 long months I was discharged to home with a partial recovery.​

 

As part of my meditation therapy, I began to work with entangle drawings then progressed to painting canvases (acrylics, India ink and water colors).   Looking to expand my creativity.  I branched out into mixed media. ​Art truly is therapy. I was permanently in a wheelchair and 90 percent of time confined to bed, but vibrant colors and beauty are everywhere.  I did most of my art work lying flat in bed and drawing and painting having only limited movement. It often turned out that the more pain I was in is expressed as a more vividly colorful piece of art.  Art has been a journey that has  transformed me in mind, body and spirit into the art that is being made.  It has been a joyful and uplifting experience. ​

 

Betty's life long battle with autoimmune disease ended on May 2nd, 2021.  Where she passed away in her Sanibel home.   It was her wish to share her story that it may inspire others to share their experiences through art.