Original artwork description:

My work is generally upbeat, which is a conscious choice on my part; but I won't turn away from honestly and authentically grappling with grief and pain, which are also part of the human experience. This painting, "Sad News," is my response to being told of the suicide of an acquaintance. None of us saw this coming, and the shock seemed paralyzing, as the horrible truth sank in. I asked myself if there were signs I had missed, opportunities for a positive intervention to prevent the downward spiral to despair. I created a collage of newspaper and magazine clippings, with rough-cut or torn edges, some of which read, "Bring on the Blues," and "We need to hear from you," along with a couple of jagged pieces of corrugated cardboard. I painted with slashing strokes, as minimally as possible, to capture the raw state in which grief leaves our hearts. The painting itself was created on canvas panel in acrylic with some oil pastel strokes, and it has been given a satin varnish for protection. No hanging hardware is included, since a black & gold trimmed, hinged display stand is included.

Materials used:

acrylic paint, collage papers, cardboard & oil pastel

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