oncology

When Painting Means So Much More

I am a third generation painter. My father is a painter, as was his mother before him. Painting has always played an important role in my life. My training came along side life training. I remember learning about points of perspective, and proportions of the human body, just as I remember learning to ride my bike and dancing ballet. Every school project became an art project. In fourth grade, I made a life size statue of George Washington for a history project. and in middle school, my presentations were shrink wrapped and displayed as fine art. Creating has always been second nature to me. It is a treasured bond that I share with my dad. As I have grown older, creating art has also become a way for me to connect with my heavenly father.

In 2014, I had the privilege of doing some artwork for a fundraiser hosted by Elkhart General Hospital in Elkhart, IN. During this time, there was a tragic shooting that took place in our community. In response to this, the hospital asked if I would paint a memorial piece in memory of the shooting victims. It was my great honor to create an art piece entitled “A Three Stranded Cord”. The monument represents the strength of our community during that hard time. It shows that with love, hope, and unity, our community is like a three-stranded cord that cannot easily be broken. This was my first time painting for hurting people. The experience opened a door in my heart and gave me direction for my artwork.

Shortly after the memorial dedication, I was asked by St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Mishawaka, IN to begin painting their oncology unit. When I began, I didn’t realize how much this project would impact my life. As I have watched cancer patients view my artwork, I have seen them gain hope, and determination to keep up the fight, and this experience has greatly inspired me, offering me my greatest fulfillment as an artist.

When people are sick, it is important that they get out of bed, walk around, and have a renewed hope, and inspiration for life. Art can do that.

When people have lost someone dear to their heart, it is important that their memory live on, that others remember their life and are inspired. Art can do that too.

Art can offer hope. It is an inspiration of life. It can soothe the soul and offer healing to the hurting in way that words cannot.

As I dip my brush into the paint and I make brush strokes across the wall., it is my prayer that those who see my paintings are able to see God’s heart for their life, that in the darkness of cancer, His presence is known and His love for His people is felt. This is why I paint.

Walls that heal the soul

Mural: St. Joseph Regional Medical Center; Oncology

“Where other medical units have a need to invest in new robotics for patient care, Oncology does not have that need. I am investing in art on the walls that heal the soul.”

~ Amelia Taggart, Director of Oncology

Art can offer healing to the soul, a place where medicine can not reach. It can offer encouragement and renews hope when words fail to do so. It speaks not only to patients, but to their family members as well. For this reason, art is a powerful resource in providing comfort and peace.

Learn how you can be a part of “Healing Souls on the Road“

Taking A Jump

If you know me, you’ll know that I have a passion for creating art, and that I dream of traveling with my family. These 2 desires have been the basis of EVERY decision that I make in life. Over the years, I have taken baby steps, placing one foot in front of the other, trusting God as I slowly moving toward my dreams. However, in the last year, as one art project has lead to another, those baby steps have become more like strides.

In August, I was able to use the money I’ve earned painting murals to purchase a vintage 31′ Airstream Sovereign. It is the perfect addition to our family of 4, making it possible for me to achieve my dream of creating art from the road. Now, I am ready to take the jump and begin to make a living at doing what I love most, creating art.

In the last year, it’s been my honor to paint murals for the Oncology unit at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Mishawaka, IN. Never has my artwork, been more fulfilling to create, than it has been while painting for the patients on the unit. I love seeing how the symbolism that I have prayerfully worked into the designs touch people’s hearts at the time when they most need the encouragement.

My desire is to continue doing this work, and the airstream is going to help me to be able to reach out further than I what can reach now. However, there is some work that needs to be done before, I am ready to take my mural business on the road. This is why I have put together a crowdfunding campaign through Indiegogo.com. My goal is to raise $10,000 to help me build up my business, in preparation for hitting the road.

“What will these funds go towards?”, you may be asking. For starters, the Airstream needs some repairs, and new tires before we can take it use it. We also need a dependable truck with the towing capabilities needed for hulling the weight of the Airstream. These are the first priorities for the money. If possible, I would also like to purchase some decent camera equipment, and a laser printer enabling me to photograph my artwork, and print my own fine art prints.

Not everyone is in a place to pick up and go out to use their passion in helping people who are sick or hurting. However, just because you can’t go, it doesn’t mean you can’t be a part of bringing healing to people who need it!

Please take a moment to check out my campaign page, and please consider making a contribution. For your generosity, I am offering some great pieces of art for each level of investment.

Lotus Flower Mural

Lotus final

St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Mishawaka, IN ; 6th floor/Oncology

Lotus Flower Mural

Lotus final

Can be seen at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Mishawaka, IN

6th floor/Oncology

The desire of my heart

It is every artist’s dream to be able to do something meaningful with their art, and I am no different.

If you have been reading this blog for awhile, then you know that I have been searching for some purpose and meaning to my artwork.

In the last year, my art has become a form of worship for me as I seek God in my creating. It has become the desire of my heart that other people will be able to connect with my art and see the heart of God. God has given me this desire of my heart.

A few weeks ago, I shared a couple posts with you about hope. (here & here)

I had been asked to design and paint a mural for the oncology unit of the hospital. The only requirement was that the painting inspire hope.

I started painting last week.

The opportunity is amazing! Many people come by daily to see the progress, and I’ve heard all kinds of positive comments! My best experience painting at the hospital happened yesterday when I could hear an old man grumbling about how much farther he had to walk to get to his room. The nurse and therapist were trying to get him up to get some exercise. I heard the therapist say ” your room is just up here. You can do it. You’re doing a great job.” Then the little group came around the corner and this patient saw the mural I was working. Suddenly, he was bright & witty with comments. For the moment while he paused to chat with me, he was no longer in a hurry to return to his bed feeling tired and achy.

The director wants to create a gallery of murals that will encourage patients to get out and walk around the halls to see them. I don’t know how many murals that will be in the end, but so far the response has been amazing.
Just a month ago, I was praying that God would use my hands as his own to create art that penetrates peoples hearts. Now here I am painting God inspired murals to encourage cancer patients. I feel blessed, and incredibly honored to have this opportunity!

at St. Joseph Medical Center, 6-garden