When Walls are also Windows

Wallflower

24 x 36 x 1.5

Acrylic Mixed Media on Canvas, Cold Wax Finish

Last Spring I made a pilgrimage to Oaxaca (pronounced Wahaka), Mexico, a journey originally planned for Fall of 2020. It was meant to be an adventure with my 30 year bff, Kara, my playmate in all things outdoorsy. Covid, and then Kara’s diagnosis of advanced stage lung cancer got in the way of that divinely inspired plan.

Kara passed away in July of '21, a year after her diagnosis. Last spring, almost 2 years since losing her, I felt ready to live our Oaxaca vision in her honor.

Besides awesome trekking visiting indigenous villages and silver moss forests, I also spent 10 days in Oaxaca City. Cities aren’t my thing so this was pretty out of character. But Oaxaca city is different. The texture, color and pattern that weave together in this historical urban gem so entranced me. Though I’d been there 16 years earlier, I was now a different person, carrying new memories, healing new wounds.

My time in Oaxaca City found its way into my art when I got back to my home in Nine Mile Falls, WA. Wahaka Walls & Windows is my exploration of how opportunities and obstacles are sometimes interchangeable. I've learned that loss can carve out beauty, and death reminds us how to live better. I've discovered that walls can really be windows. If you've ever lost a soul mate, you know the path to healing is bafflingly heart and gut wrenching.

But there's also the beauty of the love shared that remains or perhaps even deepens and grows more dear. It's this deepening love that this series celebrates.

I'm excited to share this collection of new work that quilts together the gift of my healing through loss and the blessings of meaningful closure.

100% of the proceeds from the Wahaka series art sales go directly to Transitions Spokane to help end women and children's poverty and homelessness. You'll get a 501 non-profit tax deductable receipt with all art purchases. Your art purchase donations are welcome here.