Living between art and multiple sclerosis
A Painting That Moves With Her Memory
Sometimes, art becomes more than creation: it becomes conversation, remembrance, and healing. Rhythm of Her Spirit was born from that kind of space: one of love, grief, and celebration. This 20×20 inch mixed-media painting honors my grandmother, who passed away on July 16, 2020, but whose presence continues to guide me in both life and art.
At the center of the painting is a plus-size woman in motion, dancing in a flowing red dress. Her curly hair moves with her, catching the energy of the moment. She is vibrant, rooted, and free, just like my Abuelita. The red isn’t just a color; it’s her voice, her laughter, her bold joy. It was her favorite.
Symbols That Speak Without Words
Around her, layered with care and emotion, are elements of her spirit. A Puerto Rican cuatro evokes the music she loved so deeply. A red hibiscus blooms with life, and a small coquí sits proudly atop its petals, a nod to her love for frogs and the land that raised us both.
Scattered across the canvas are butterflies, created through collage. My grandmother rarely spoke about them. She found them beautiful yet didn’t like thinking of them as “worms with wings.” And yet, they appear here, quiet and transformative, just like the parts of her that were never loud but always meaningful.
Creating With Emotion and Intention
This piece came together slowly. I documented the process in photos and video, something I rarely do. Every step, from the texture to the brushwork, was an act of remembering. I cried, I smiled, I paused. Through this painting, I allowed myself to grieve, but also to reconnect.
Rhythm of Her Spirit is not just a tribute: it’s a celebration. It reminds me that love doesn’t end. It shifts, it dances, it stays.
If You’ve Lost Someone, This Is for You
Whether you’ve lost a grandmother, a sister, or a friend, I hope this piece speaks to your heart. Art doesn’t fix grief, but it holds it, honors it, and sometimes helps us keep dancing too.
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Spanish version.
