Grace
Teaching Myself Grace
I never thought of myself as graceful until I captured an elongated shadow of my hand super-imposed over a spring bloom this past spring in the mountains of Southeastern Arizona.
By combining Self Portraiture As Medicine with Conceptual Photography I have been able to explore how being stricken with polio at age two has not only influenced my life but my current art as well.
Using the symbol of my hands embodies the story of my life with polio.
Each image in the MySelf series stands as a testament to the battles I have fought and the obstacles I have overcome. They serve as a powerful symbol of my unwavering determination to defy polio’s grasp on my life.
My hands have learned to express beauty and grace, as they have become the conduits for my passion in self expression through dance, in art and in my writing. They speak volumes, not just of the challenges I have faced, but of the unyielding strength that resides within me, a testament to the indomitable nature of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Ceanothus greggii – Desert Ceanothus.
Thrives on dry, sunny slopes, usually in oak-juniper woodlands and chaparral.
Grace encompasses a profound sense of serenity, poise, and harmony. It is the gentle sway of my body as it dances, effortlessly gliding across the floor with every step exuding a natural fluidity of spirit.
Grace is the ability to face adversity with composure, to forgive with empathy, and to offer kindness even in the face of cruelty, all a part of my life living with polio.
I see grace as my ability to navigate life's challenges with poise and elegance, remaining composed in the face of adversity. It is an intangible yet powerful force that illuminates my world with its radiant presence. It is this radiance that I aim to capture with each image.
Once this image was taken, I could see that this has been my story all my life. Yes, I am as graceful as an outstretched arm embraced by the delicate beauty and fragrance of Ceanothus (California Lilac) in bloom.
Self Portraiture is a powerful tool to go deeper into my belief system. I hadn’t thought of myself as graceful until this image revealed itself to me.
Double exposure using the Hipstomatic app on my iPhone 13.
I am passionate about using Self Portraiture As Medicine to go deep into my beliefs and release those which no longer serve me. My intent is to capture the energy of joy in the moment.
Fine Art Metal Prints
