("Dear Dad: Regret", 11" x 14", acrylics, India ink, Stacked Journaling on stretched canvas)
("Dear Dad: Anger", 14" x 18", acrylics, India ink, Stacked Journaling on stretched canvas)
And finally, a piece (not part of the series shown above) that refuses to resolve itself and as punishment is being forced to show itself to the world in this blog post.
(24" x 30", deconstructed screen printed fabric, hand-dyed fabric, pastels, colored pencils on stretched canvas)
20 comments:
I am so sorry to hear of this diagnosis. You might want to check out the work being done by Ami Simms and others on the Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative. Lots of money has been raised for research on finding a cure for Alzheimer's. Ami's mother had Alzheimer's.
I can understand the regret and the anger, Judi. My mum had a stroke last November and has been diagnosed with vascular dementia as a result. This thing has happened so quickly and mum is changing all the time. I haven't made anything directly out of my emotions and feelings but ever since the stroke I seem to have rebelled against my usual colour palette and am choosing to work in bright colours that I don't usually use. Perverse or a reaction to the terrible darkness that I feel watching my mum disappear?
Life at times is not easy to be sure. You convey your feelings powerfully in these Judi. Thank you for sharing... sending warm regards your way.
sorry to hear the news of your dad's Alzheimers . Not en easy thing to cope with and sending you some healing light to keep you strong. I work as a Counsellor and let me tell you use your Art as a healing aid. by that l mean paint when sad, angry, happy ect and it will help you though. keep talking to your blogging friends..we are here for you my friendx lynda
My mom has alzheimers. It hasmrobbed me of my mother. She is in perfect health otherwise and will turn 80 In may. Her father had alzheimers and died at 88. He was in great heath as well. Funny story, at 80 and pre diagnosis he was arrested for soliciting a lady of the evening. I had to go bail him out. Explain that to your family!
Glen
Very impressing art! In the first one, I see the despair of not communicating. In the second the feelings arising from these limits. In the 3rd one I see a childlike happiness that may also come with Alzheimer. A friend's mother lives in this state of mind; she is the director of the old people's home -- she is convinced she is -- and welcomes her son as her husband or her brother, just as she likes...
Thinking of you as you deal with all this.
The first two are hauntingly beautiful and show much, dear Judi. The last? You can't be the child to the father. It'll resolve itself in time. Bless you for your vulnerability.
They're beautiful, Judi. I wish you all the best with everything.
sorry to hear of this diagnosis. but judi, the two pieces are just beautiful! and i'm glad you are able to make art to express your feelings. (((hugs)))
I am so sorry to hear about your dad's diagnosis. It is such a terrible disease. My grandfather had it.
The pieces you did are so dramatic. I especially like the one with the writing.
Hugs to you.
Judi, my heart breaks for you, I lost my Dad last December to Alzheimer's related issues. The only piece of advice I can give you is to embrace the man he will become as this disease progresses. The changes will be immense and unfathomable. Each phase will bring out a different personality quirk - and believe me, I know there will be difficult times ahead, but try to love the man who is before you at every stage of this disease. Working through your feelings with your art is absolutely the best thing you can do. I second Paula's suggestion to check out AAQI - I have been involved with Ami since 2005 and the work she is doing is amazing, and all through art. Sending hugs your way!
Incredibly powerful. It grabbed me in the pit of my stomach and isn't letting go. I know and I understand. My mother has advanced Alzheimer's and is the 15th member of my family to have, or have had, this terrible disease. She is the only one of my 15 still alive. I feel for, and grieve with you.
Judi, I'm so sorry to hear of your father's diagnosis. It is SO hard to deal with. My mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's at the age of 72. I didn't deal with it very well. Instead of being able to work my feelings out through pieces of art, I felt creativly stuck. My Mom died last June at 73. I miss her more than I can say. I just finished a piece about her; I am beginning to heal. Your art is hauntingly beautiful and very touching (especially for those of us who share the pain Alheimer's inflicts). Thank you SO much for sharing your work.
Very moving - love it. Much love to you and your family
Judi, my heart goes out to you...
Your first painting says it all. Alzheimer's is a horrible way to loose someone you love. Many are on the same road. Reach out: you aren't alone.
It's a tough road, but from my experience, making art about the loss, or the perception of loss, will be powerful, and a great outlet. Thanks for sharing these.
I'm sorry to hear this, wish both your dad and you (+family) the best of luck!
Your artwork is powerful.I just finished the book,Still Alice, by Lisa Genova. You might want to check it out.
Post a Comment