The other day my sister was at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Michigan. She was with a friend who was having a suspicious lump removed. Hearts were heavy. As they were walking down the hall, they saw my canvas reproductions (including this one) hanging on the walls. My sister sent me a text. She said my art was on the walls, that is was an inspiration to women who were scared, hurting, uncertain.
Having worked many many years as a medical social worker in hospitals before becoming a full time artist, I always love the full circle moments that come when I hear stories of my art being found in hospitals. Hospitals are where I grew up in my 20's, leaning into the burdens and lightness that illness or uncertainty can bring to families. It's where I found life, and stories, and courage in every room, in every medical chart. It's where I learned that Hope was as strong a medicine as any other life saving treatment.
As I read the text from my sister, I felt that full circle blessing again. I cannot tell you how much I love that hospitals are supporting my work. I cannot tell you how much I love that it's giving patients and families a meaningful way, even if just for a brief moment when they pass it by in the halls, to be centered in their courage, vulnerability, and hope. I love the full circle-ness, too, that creating art is healing and nurturing and joyful for me and then, like the best of serendipity, it goes out into the world to become a small portal for someone else's healing and nurturing and joy when, against all odds, they find it staring back at them in a boutique, a hospital room, or office . I cannot tell you how it warms my heart to be a part of that full circle.
Art heals, saves, and inspires.
Thank you, hospitals. Hearts. Friends. For being a part of this most important journey with me. I'm so glad we're in this circle together.
XO,
Kelly Rae
