The Power of Art

Recently a friend’s husband died. She has waited a while for family to get organized before having his memorial service. His service will be this Friday. So what do you say when someone loses their spouse? I feel at a loss sometimes of finding the right words said in the right way that gives comfort.

My friend is nearly completely blind. She has macular degenerative eye disease. I thought maybe I could paint her husband’s portrait using texture so she could feel him on the canvas. I did some research and it turned out to be beyond my artist abilities. But I didn’t give up.

My friend has a very large projector that she can use to help her see just a little better. She can see some things from her side better then directly in front of her. So I painted her husband’s portrait thinking of colors that would help her see him better.

I surprised her yesterday with my gift. She had tears. She told us how hard this past week has been. She told us how lonely she felt. She has many friends around her but none of us can fill the void of the loss of her husband.

I sometimes get discouraged with my painting. I think I’m not that good and then I get a rush of joy when I see I’ve made someone truly happy. Art did that. Art can make a difference. Art has power to heal. I love that about art.