Pamela's Story
“Your art speaks of healing,” said New York artist Makoto Fujimura. A few years ago in his book signing line, I showed him my homemade portfolio. He flipped through my Xeroxed reproductions.
I was 11 when my first oil painting sold. From then on, my fingernails wore oil paint. But during my senior year of college, I discovered watercolor painting. I had found a way to paint and to enjoy clean nails. Over the next 10 years, I painted diligently, refining my craft.
But while raising our four lively children, my brushes lay dormant. Then, in 2006, our 11-year-old son's words ignited a spark: “Mom, you are wasting your artistic talent.” His insight captured my attention. Immediately, I picked up my brushes again and a few months later launched my website.
In 2009, my artwork was selected for the National Juried Art Exhibition in Hilton Head, the Metro Health Hospital and Spectrum Butterworth Health Hospital in Grand Rapids, and the private gallery of the Valley Green Inn in Philadelphia. Currently, the DeJonge Gallery and Studio in the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel is showcasing my paintings.
By identifying my calling as “healing,” Fujimura empowered my creativity. Through writing an e-book of my original artwork and life stories, I have been experiencing healing. And many others have joined me on this journey towards healing and hope.
