Reflection from the artist, virginia daley: art that heals.

Abstract

My 13 summers camping in the American wilderness sparked an intensive exploration of the world's wild places, and the sense of wellbeing I received from my reconnection to nature was profound. I began to paint the scenes of regenerative power and beauty that so restored me and to create visual meditations designed to strike the deepest chord of human/nature within us all. Then, during my own illness some years ago, I experienced firsthand the need for healing art. Sitting terrified in examination rooms and reception areas waiting for results of a biopsy, I found nothing to focus on that could soothe my anxiety nor shepherd me to a place of solace. I was surrounded by meaningless pictures chosen to match the catalog furniture and product posters from pharmaceutical companies. Rekindled was my idea to share the healing harmony inherent in my painted meaningfull subjects: reflections in water, the strength of an oak weathering a harsh season, the nonresistant repose of winter. To offer nature for nurture! To...