As you know this website was founded on the mission and belief that art serves as a catalyst for healing individuals, society and the environment. You will find many articles by artists and others about how they have used creativity to overcome tragedy, heal from emotional and physical wounds, and medical conditions. Other articles focus on how art and art programs have served many people in need. This article continues that series and is about how some outstanding artists tell us about the healing power of creating art.
While curating “The Healing Power of Color” 2022 exhibition these artists caught my attention with their incredible art and written statements. They explained the positive healing impact they experience while creating art. They also desire to convey a positive impact on viewers of their art, which includes lifting their spirits, encourage hope and lead to healing.
I encourage you to visit these artists’ websites to see more of their art and learn more about them.
Emz Finch ~ A Personal Healing Experience
Looking Up Trees to See Glorious Colour Through the Leaves, oil paint and gold leaf, 39″ x 47″
Emz Finch lives in London, U.K. She is represented by Wychwood Art, is one of a few hand-selected artists in the Artist Appreciation Initiative run by interior designer, Lindi Reynolds, and is very active creating commission art pieces.
With her outstanding submissions to “The Healing Power of Color” exhibition she shared some very personal information about the healing power of art. As she explained, “I had 3 miscarriages during Covid lockdowns and got PTSD flashbacks afterwards. Trees drew me outside. One day, I saw a pebble in a branch that had painted on it ‘be happy’. I lay down under this tree, breathed deeply and started to see colour. The only way I could describe this experience was through colour. I chose my ‘happy’ colour, neon pink for my ground and vibrant pinks or calming greens with a bright blue hue.” emzfinchart.co.uk
Pamela Chrabieh ~ A War Survivor
Rise, hybrid iconography painting (mixed media and digital art)
Pamela Chrabieh is a visual artist, researcher, author, consultant, and writer based in Nicosia, Cyprus. She has had many exhibitions worldwide. As an activist, she has been a member of local/international NGOs, and a member of executive committees and advisory/editorial boards of several organizations since 1995, and she founded an online movement of writers and artists focused on gender issues.
Along with her powerful artwork she submitted this profound statement to us: “‘Rise’… A word that represents my state of mind as a war survivor and the spirit of many Lebanese in the last five decades marked by vicious cycles of war, explosions, and multiform crises. A call through deconstructed/restructured digital iconographic lines and kaleidoscopic colors (green: freedom, rebirth; red: the blood of victims, the fire of survival; yellow: hope beyond chaos) for all those who are still struggling with wounded memories, are facing murderous identities, and are torn by displacement.” pamelachrabiehblog.com
Alexandra Kingswell ~ Helping With Grief
Hope: The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it, 100% cotton fabrics, 74″ x 53″
Alexandra Kingswell lives in the U.K., has had many exhibitions, and two of her works of art are included in the International Quilt Museum’s permanent Contemporary Textile Art Collection (located in Lincoln, Nebraska).
When she submitted her inspirational art to “The Healing Power of Color” she stated, “My work is a love affair with colour. If love, passion and excitement communicate, I am happy. My pieces share my life’s journey, helping me rejoice and helping me grieve. Creating them is a head and heart activity. It feels wholesome. It balances me. It raises my mood. We play, pray, struggle, and dance together. For my viewers, the message is simple – ‘be blessed’. Let the colours say to you what needs to be said. That is your personal dance.” On her website she shares, “My aim is to give viewers a joyful and arresting visual experience. To inspire contemplation. To lift spirits and make people smile!” alexandra-kingswell.co.uk
Geraldine Martinez ~ Healing and Hope
Gibraltar Orange Sunset, digital art on Procreate
Geraldine Martinez lives in the U.K. and has been commissioned to create three outdoor murals in Gibraltar. She was awarded a Gibraltar Cultural Award for “Best Education Project”. She states, “I was thrilled to be recognised in this capacity because environmental issues are important to me.”
With her breathtaking entry to our exhibition Geraldine wrote, “I rely on color as a thematic expression in my work. The color treatment in my murals offer a sense of revitalisation, healing and hope. In a way I consider my murals to be art therapy pieces since they encourage a positive mental outlook. Bright colors are what drew me to create digital art. Instead of encouraging disconnection through the often unhealthy use of electronics, my digital work is a means to connect to others and express myself through color. geraldinemartinezart.com
Andrea Joyce Feldman ~ Healing from Chemo
Dusk, watercolor and oil pastel 12″ x 18″
Andrea Joyce Feldman lives in Deltay Beach, Florida. Her many exhibitions include those held at The Whitney Center for the Arts, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, and Berkshire Museum, among others. She is also the author of The Artful Warrior: How Painting Helped Me and other publications.
With her awe-inspiring entry to “The Healing Power of Color” she shared this statement: “I started making art when I was terribly sick from chemo. As I healed from my ordeal I became more calm, colors and images became more meditative. ‘Dusk’ is from the ‘Above and Below’ series and my fascination with nature and the duality of all things. These horizontal, landscape, or layered paintings speak to the recurring theme of pushing through the darkness to reach the light.” andreajoycefeldmanart.com
Michael Aldag ~ Expressing Faith and Harmony
Interfaith Triptych, oil on panel, 16″ x 24″
Michael Aldag is a fine artist from Southern Illinois. To create his engaging works of art he draws inspiration from his environment, childhood, and faith. In addition to selecting his art for “The Healing Power of Color” exhibition I also chose his work for our “Inspirational Art in Mixed Media Exhibition”.
With his art entries to “The Healing Power of Color” Michael wrote, “I use a lot of symbols in my artwork and I love the symbolism of different colors. For example, in ‘Interfaith Triptych’ green is incorporated into the geometric patterns because it is the color of Islam. Gold is integrated as well, as it is reminiscent of the gold leafing used in medieval Christian altarpieces. There is a harmony created between the colors and shapes encouraging peace and understanding.” michaelaldag.carbonmade.com
Nimi Trehan ~ Art that is Therapeutic
Symphony of Temple Bells 2, acrylic on canvas. 48″ x 36″
Nimi Trehan lives in Maryland and exhibits internationally. When she served as a project manger at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, she emphasized the therapeutic role of art in creating healing environments. Recently, SoulAtPlay invited Nimi to produce a solo exhibition on their website because her art resonates with people interested in “depth psychology, embodiment, and expressive arts.”
With her entries to “The Healing Power of Color” competition she wrote, “My palette of warm and vibrant hues naturally weaves its way into my art that is very therapeutic and instantly uplifts one’s spirits and exudes joy, arousing those who are troubled with depression or neurasthenia. I grew up in an environment of color in India and observed the positive impact of color on the mundane lives of poor people. Color flows through the veins of every Indian and it unites its diverse people and links generations.” nimitrehan.com
Shelly Lyn Nuzzo says
Thank you for helping others heal Your healing Power of Art exhibit has help meet you reconnect with others to share their vision and story. It has inspired me to introduce myself and let you see what i have painting this year 2022. But where do i begin?
Renee Phillips says
Shelly, It’s wonderful to know that you are happy to connect with others here on this website. To answer your question, I suggest you subscribe to our email newsletter to know when we offer opportunities for artists to submit their artwork. You can also check this page for announcements for exhibitions. Wishing you creative bliss!