To Heal

The theme of this painting came as a result of the horrific earthquake / tsunami / nuclear catastrophe in Japan. Being that Sendai is the nearest major city, I silver-sketched that skyline as the backdrop. I then applied layers of red to denote the damage and suffering, mixing in gold to signify the people's courage and dignity. White serves as a prayerful call for healing. Throughout this entire painting process, I incorporated simulations to represent the events that had taken place: I shook the paint over the canvas in turbulent movements to designate the earthquake. I subsequently flooded the nearly dry painting with an overflow of water, representing the tsunami. This was followed by heat from a blow-dryer applied on a high setting, melting streaks of paint to indicate the burning of radiation. Lastly, I focused prayers and wishes into an inscription that overlays the painting: "To Heal". Copies of To Heal are being offered in the form of greeting cards. Proceeds will go to The Red Cross.