When I began my healing process from memories of childhood abuse, I would do a lot of emotional work around abundance.  I was in such need of an "abundanZ" of love, especially self love, peace, time, family, a better relationship with my hubby, my talents, groundedness, ideas . . .  And of course, a bit of "green" abundance is always nice too!  So when I painted it, I began with a strong impasto white stroke.  White is the complete energy of light. It is clear and explicitly manifests. Opening up the energy for abundance--leading me to my new way of life.  

Red is the color of passion, energy and "Action!".  When I first started painting, I was drawn to paint on metal and acrylic.  I just loved how my paints would glide on their surface.  I purchased acrylic platters at Z Gallerie then drove down to a local steel mill and found a pile of red aluminum sheets that were 1 cent each.  I bought them all.  For some reason, I just needed red. Carrying emotions of rage and anger (I was really seeing RED!) and feeling six feet under as my memories of childhood abuse surfaced, I would sweep red paint across these surfaces literally painting away my heavy emotions.  Feeling more stable and grounded with each stroke.   

RED is associated with the root or 1st chakra, and is powerfully linked to our most primitive physical and emotional needs of survival and self-preservation. I was barely surviving in those days.  Painting red gave me the courage and change I was so desperately needing.  Giving me back my power, will, and desires.  Taking Action!

This paint stroke reminds me of a Hershey's kiss.  I ate a lot of them--especially the ones with almonds.  

Red is the color of vitality and physical health--the outgoing positive “yes to life” attitude.  Stayin’ “alive!”  I only used two red paint colors for the original of this print--they blended beautifully.  

I love sherbet. Always have. These colors make me happy and refreshed like on a hot summer day. One of my clients called it "soul's orgasm". I have to say, that sounds more like "allure" than sherbet!

As America begins to open up the country from COVID-19, AMERICA STRONG is my vision of the energy of our country and people moving forward with strength (red), a clean slate (white), confidence and unity (blue). As we have done so many times before in the wake of adversity. With God and the Universe by our sides. We are AMERICA STRONG!!!   I painted my patriotic images right after the Boston Marathon bombing. My sister was running in the marathon, and our family was frantic to know her whereabouts when we heard the breaking news. Once we finally got a hold of her, she told us she had crossed the finish line 20 minutes before. We were so thankful for the first responders and that she was safe! How grateful I am to live in the "home of the BRAVE" and the "land of the FREE" and be part of "AMERICA STRONG".  

The first chakra, called either the ROOT or BASE chakra is associated with the color red and the adrenal glands. "It's qualities and functions are full acceptance of life on earth, survival, power to achieve goals, vitality, grounding, satisfaction, material security, stability, primal trust, stillness, courage."

Oh my hell! "balanZ"!  Will I ever achieve it?? I love the smoothness and peacefulness of "balanZ", especially the calming brown background. And the deliciousness of red that grounds me. This was the very first image I ever printed.

Oh my hell! "balanZ"! Will I ever achieve it??  I love the smoothness and peacefulness of "balanZ", especially the calming brown background. And the deliciousness of red that grounds me. This was the very first image I ever printed.