Art4Health 2012

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Medium: Acrylic
Size: W: 12in, H: 16in, D: 0.1in, Weight: 0.5lbs
Description: A home with a distorted figure out front.

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Medium: Watercolor
Size: W: 12in, H: 9in, D: N/A, Weight: 0.1lbs
Description: Dealing with emotional distress, sometimes there's a lot people don't see.

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Medium: Watercolor
Size: W: 12in, H: 9in, D: N/A, Weight: 1lbs
Description: The surrendering of a beating heart, to another.

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Medium: Digital Print
Size: W: 20in, H: 16in, D: 3/8in, Weight: 1lbs
Description: While in China in 2010, I met this woman. She was watching others play Mahjong in a park and taking long, meaningful drags from her cigarette. Despite knowing the cigarette was poisoning her, each time she inhaled, euphoria spread across her tired visage. It was as if she was in heaven.

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Medium: Digital Print
Size: W: 16in, H: 20in, D: 3/8in, Weight: 1lbs
Description: Laying in the wheat fields of Denmark, I was overcome by the beauty and serenity of my surroundings. I wanted to capture what it was like laying in those fields so that others could experience the same calm, rejuvenating moment. Bliss is not a word to be thrown around lightly, however this was truly a case in which it was befitting.

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Medium: Digital Print
Size: W: 16in, H: 20in, D: 3/8in, Weight: 1lbs
Description: While traveling in Morocco, I came upon these two men. After taking several photos of them without their knowledge, I summoned up the courage to speak to them and introduce myself. Minutes later, largely due to the friendly, inviting spirit of Moroccans, these two men, Hassan and Amal, and I were sharing fresh mint tea and communicating as best we could. In their old age, they were not very physically active or capable, however they still managed to enjoy a glass of mint tea with a foreigner.

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Medium: Pencil, Ink, Digital Print
Size: W: N/A, H: N/A, D: N/A, Weight: N/A
Description: Most of the time, snakes get a relatively poor reputation. I thought it just bummed me out because I think snakes are cool, but then I remembered that my Chinese zodiac sign is the snake, so I suppose I take it at least a little personally. But some corners of mythology associate snakes with healing, and water, and life. The Greek god Asclepius of medicine bears a snake-entwined rod, used as part of the visual image for various medical services today. I felt such dual perception of snakes fit the theme of "Healing in Disguise."

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Medium: Charcoal Pencils
Size: W: 24in, H: 18in, D: N/A, Weight: N/A
Description: The human body inspires me. Beauty can be found among every line of the body whether it is a wrinkle or a curve. The various textures are also fascinating. I love that no two bodies look the same. Every "imperfection" is what gives a body individuality.

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Medium: Graphite on Bristol board
Size: W: 19in, H: 19in, D: 1in, Weight: 3.6lbs
Description: The work's title "Cleansing" refers to the act of improving the self by making healthy choices. "Cleansing" depicts a somber scene featuring a figure lying in a tub surrounded by pills and a wine bottle. Through the physical act of bathing, the figure is metaphorically washing away his troubles in a safe and healthy manner while rejecting the unhealthy temptations surrounding him.

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Medium: Beach Glass Mosaic
Size: W: 11in, H: 20in, D: 2in, Weight: 6lbs
Description: My family and I picked up tons of green, brown, clear and blue tumbled broken glass on the beach at Crystal Cove. It was fun for the family and the mosaic helps us preserve the memory.

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Medium: Charcoal Pencil
Size: W: 8in, H: 10in, D: 1in, Weight: 3lbs
Description: While teaching my son to surf, my wife took several photos of us in and around the water. This was our first entry together and I wanted to preserve the memory with something more substantial than just the photo. It hangs in my office.

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Medium: Oil
Size: W: 14in, H: 20in, D: 1in, Weight: 1lbs
Description: It's hard not to be inspired everywhere you look in Laguna. There was a euphoric moment that day with my family playing in the surf and sun. I was awed by the beauty of water and earth.

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Medium: Oil Pastel
Size: W: 12in, H: 20in, D: 1in, Weight: 4lbs
Description: This was regenerated from a photo taken during a family trip to Los Gaviotas, Mexico. Despite fears of drug lords and violence, we spent a week of bliss on the beach and in the communities without conflict. All senses were highly rewarded; sounds, smells, sights.

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Medium: Oil Pastel
Size: W: 12in, H: 20in, D: 1in, Weight: 4lbs
Description: I read an article about a Hunting Beach artist that is a surfer. I was inspired by his work and this piece was my "replication" of his piece. I changed aspects to make it my own. In particular, I used my daughter, Autumn, as a stand in to depict the surfer on the board. This piece is meant for my living room only. I give the original inspiration to the HB artist and simply enjoy my rendition of his idea.

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Medium: Canvas, Acrylic Paint, Band-aid wrappers
Size: W: 12in, H: 12in, D: 1.5in, Weight: N/A
Description: Inspired by this year's theme of Healing in Disguise, I wanted to deconstruct an element that we have all been familiar with at some point in our lives-a band-aid wrapper. My concept for this piece was to use materials commonly associated with disguising our everyday appearances-bright colors and beauty products. Transforming common, everyday materials in my work allows for the viewer to experience the artwork on a playful and accessible level.

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Medium: Pages from Emergency Care & Transportati
Size: W: 30in, H: 14.5in, D: N/A, Weight: N/A
Description: Using the backdrop of pages from an Emergency Care and Transportation book, my concept for this poster was to call attention to our health and wellness as a priority in our lives. There are always unexpected moments in life-challenges and triumphs, and through these events we have to take care of our well-being. This piece is a simple reminder that we should live and enjoy life, but not forget to take our vitamins.

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Medium: Pages from Emergency Care & Transportati
Size: W: 29in, H: 20.25in, D: N/A, Weight: N/A
Description: Directly inspired by this year's theme of Healing in Disguise, I wanted to incite a sense of investigation from the viewer on different levels. This piece explores the juxtaposition of the seen and unseen factors that play a role in our health. Incorporating materials and imagery commonly associated with a medical setting, the piece explores the relationship/connection of the individual and to their level of wellness.

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Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Size: W: 18in, H: 24in, D: 1in, Weight: 1lbs
Description: Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that contributes to the feeling of well-being. Pictured here is its skeletal formula, with Carbon as white lines, the red line symbolizing Oxygen, and Nitrogen represented by the blue lines. The Hydrogen atoms are implied.

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Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Size: W: 20in, H: 16in, D: 1in, Weight: 1lbs
Description: This canvas was used and abandoned. The former image, a still life, was painted over into a sketch for a potential stained glass design.

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Medium: C-Print
Size: W: 14in, H: 11in, D: 1in, Weight: 1.5lbs
Description: This piece was created in complete darkness. Wooden blocks were placed on the light-sensitive photo paper, and exposed three times with different-colored lights. Unlike black-and-white photo paper, the amber lights in the darkroom will expose the paper (not good!). The technique for this print, called a photogram, requires placement of the objects using only touch and intuition. It provides an experience outside of the typical use of sight.

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Medium: C-Print
Size: W: 20in, H: 16in, D: 1in, Weight: 2lbs
Description: This piece was created in complete darkness. The red spot was created by exposing cyan-colored light through a hole in the paper. Then, the spot was covered with a circular piece of paper; magenta light was exposed onto the remaining space of the photo paper. Unlike black-and-white photo paper, the amber lights in the darkroom will expose the paper (not good!). The technique for this print requires guesswork and quick adjustment during the exposure period. It provides an experience outside of the typical use of sight.

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Medium: Stained glass, steel, jewelry string
Size: W: 30in, H: 24in, D: 24in, Weight: 20lbs
Description: Stained glass does not only exist as flat panels.

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Medium: Acrylic
Size: W: 30in, H: 40in, D: 1in, Weight: 10lbs
Description: The sun and the moon both love and hate each other, one always competing for its place in the sky. I painted this scene to show how light and day cannot exist without each other, the heart at the bottom represents the chaotic romance between these two celestial beings.

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Medium: Watercolor
Size: W: 10in, H: 8in, D: 0.5in, Weight: 1lbs
Description: A beautiful tree that grows in a dark place, my Valley Tree sprang from something ugly into something beautiful. Her lush tendrils and vines grow and flourish even in the darkest night, she never gives up hope that one day she will see the sun.

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Medium: Oil
Size: W: 20in, H: 16in, D: 1in, Weight: 3lbs
Description: The bonds of a relationship is brought into light in this piece. The gentle embrace of the two figures seems so serene, as they meld into one person, dark clouds gather in the distance. I made this piece to heal myself and the trouble of relationships that many of us feel.

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Medium: Acrylic, Collage
Size: W: 30in, H: 22in, D: 1in, Weight: 3lbs
Description: The darkness of war has reached every nation and the black ominous flag is flying. My character is placed in a wasteland made of magazine clippings. She is the epitome of what societies value. Yet even in all this destruction the sun will still rise and the world will heal itself once we are gone.

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Medium: Watercolor
Size: W: 30in, H: 22in, D: 0.5in, Weight: 2lbs
Description: The queen is proud and regal, silently watching over her kingdom. She is wise and balanced with the yin and yang inscribed on her. The zen of her mind helps her rule and cultivate her kingdom and her omnipotence heals all.

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Medium: Acrylics on Canvas
Size: W: 21.5in, H: 25.5in, D: 1.5in, Weight: 5lbs
Description: I painted this peace as a symbol of my vows to my husband. This painting was used in the ceremony on my wedding day. The bare tree represents a new start for our life together. The sunset symbolizes what lies ahead for us as a married couple. The bird nest represents our new household and the two birds reflect our love and for each other.

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Medium: Acrylics on Canvas
Size: W: 12in, H: 12in, D: 1.5in, Weight: 1lbs
Description: This piece represents life as an ongoing process of change. The paining has four parts and each part represents a different season: fall, winter, spring, and summer. These seasons symbolize the positive and the negative phases of life. The whole piece is tied together by the tunnel in the middle that shows light on the other side. Although life has its challenges, there is light at the end of the tunnel. For me it's important to remember that there is a reason for every obstacle in my life and it ultimately leads to something positive, whether it teaches me an important lesson or simply makes me stronger. I kept the Bible, Ecclesiastes III verse in mind when I painted this piece: 3:1 ?To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: 3:2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; 3:3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 3:4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.?

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Medium: Acrylic on Panel
Size: W: 20in, H: 19in, D: 2in, Weight: 5lbs
Description: As a painter and student of art and life it is my passion to express emotion and humanity through my work. Making art that is personal, relatable, inspiring, and a little shocking is the ultimate reward. Utilizing an observing eye, the quotidian translates to the canvas. Ordinary subject matter, painted in an extraordinary way, elevates the status of the subject to heroic and confrontational. To remain in the conscious mind of the viewer is a goal and personal aspiration. When working on a piece there is an inner demand to consider the use of light, texture, and balance (or lack thereof). The incorporation of emphasis on the main subject plays a big role in the composition. Representational and figurative paintings make up the majority of my portfolio. Up to this point, subjects seem random but are all personal. There is no formula. Each painting has its own needs and wants to communicate. Most modern artists no longer create with their hands but try to find art inside ordinary objects; I do both. Currently, my work encompasses the knowledge I have acquired both technical and emotional. It is gradually embracing the conceptual. I prefer not to have to explain my work. It speaks for itself and there is no right or wrong answer to the paintings. Each viewer experiences something a little different from the same picture, and that pleases me.

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Medium: Acrylic Paint, Wood
Size: W: 11in, H: 8in, D: 4in, Weight: 3.5lbs
Description: It is my belief that an illness embodies many different disguises. Although we may think we are immune, it may put on a new mask and surprise us.

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Medium: Ink
Size: W: 11in, H: 17in, D: N/A, Weight: N/A
Description: I wanted to create something that makes people think about the risk they take when having unprotected sex. The decoding window allows the viewer to see the risks they might not see when overcome with emotion and passion. The window represents loving yourself enough to take precautions before engaging in sexual activities.

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Medium: Graphite
Size: W: 17in, H: 14in, D: N/A, Weight: N/A
Description:

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Medium: Acrylic Paint
Size: W: 12in, H: 9in, D: 0.5in, Weight: 1lbs
Description: Each painting symbolically symbolizes a stage in my life, and this painting 'El Leon' represents my growth having strength in my own life. Lions are the kings of the animal kingdom, and, during this time in my life, I was growing as an individual, healing and gaining confidence, becoming my own king of my life. El Leon symbolizes strength, leadership, and the ability to rule life with the greatest of courage.

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Medium: Acrylic Paint
Size: W: 12in, H: 9in, D: 0.5in, Weight: 1lbs
Description: This painting it symbolically represents the perfect definition of healing in disguise. 'The Tree of Life' is the exemplification of what life is entirely because the image of a young child grasping his mother's pregnant belly, while inside the image of a tree with roots, shows the past, present, and future generations all in one. The child is the present of life, while his soon to be brother or sister is the future of life, and the roots of the tree represent our ancestors. This painting shows healing in disguise because as humans we learn to appreciate life more and more every day, which is a healing process we should be thankful to experience.

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Medium: Acrylic Paint
Size: W: 12in, H: 9in, D: 0.5in, Weight: 1lbs
Description: The Chinese Dragon, the symbol of good fortune, courageous endurance, and prosperity, is what the 'Fortune Dragon' symbolizes. A process of healing in one's own life, such as my own. The Chinese dragon was a representation of myself as I decided to seek better fortune in daily life, and gained courage to find prosperity in the little things. To enjoy life with every moment it brings. This is a process of healing, because, as unusual, as the dragon shows growth, it is another perfect definition of growth and healing because, when an individual chooses to find fortune and be courageous, their spirit heals in the most positive way.

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Medium: Acrylic Paint
Size: W: 2in, H: 1.5in, D: 1.5in, Weight: 1lbs
Description: This painting is titled 'Reflection' because it demonstrates a beautiful mermaid gazing above at the ocean?s waves and the sky. I chose to paint a mermaid because I was regaining my independence from past negative relationships. I was the mermaid in the painting, an individual learning to find my free spirit once again and take grasp of it. Her gaze at the ocean is a reflection of her life, what she has gone through (what I have experienced in my past), and the reflection of her growing soul.

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Medium: Acrylic and Oil on Canvas
Size: W: 14in, H: 14in, D: 1in, Weight: 1lbs
Description: The weight of the world can be overwhelming sometimes and the problems and issues we may have may try to dominate us, but we can?t let these facts keep us from living our lives. I'm a firm believer that we must face our problems and be strong. I feel this work is an illustration about this belief.

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Medium: Oil Stick and Acrylic on Canvas
Size: W: 6in, H: 6in, D: 1in, Weight: 1lbs
Description: What I wanted to do with this piece was to visually illustrate memory. Our past memories get lost within time and are put aside and replaced with current experiences. Memory can be hazy and unclear and we may lose some details, but the basic idea of our memories will always be with us. This is true of good and bad memories, but for me and for many others, I believe, good memories are always worth thinking about and experiencing.

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Medium: Acrylic, Color pencil, and pastel on can
Size: W: 20in, H: 16in, D: 1in, Weight: 1lbs
Description: With maturity and age come changes. This is what I thought about as I produced this piece. Man and nature are one, I believe, and there is a point in one's life where we know our limitations; similarly I feel nature is going through this in current times.

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Medium: Photography
Size: W: 22in, H: 28in, D: 0.5in, Weight: 3lbs
Description:

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Medium: Photography
Size: W: 22in, H: 28in, D: 0.5in, Weight: 3lbs
Description:

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Medium: Photography
Size: W: 22in, H: 28in, D: 0.5in, Weight: 3lbs
Description:

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Medium: Photography
Size: W: 22in, H: 28in, D: 0.5in, Weight: 3lbs
Description:

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Medium: Photography
Size: W: 22in, H: 28in, D: 0.5in, Weight: 3lbs
Description:

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Medium: Acrylic
Size: W: 6in, H: 12in, D: N/A, Weight: N/A
Description: My grandmother (Mary Gallegos) was a huge inspiration to me as an artist growing up. She did beautiful paintings full of life and interest that I have always admired. My favorite painting of her's hangs in my room: A very large painting of bottles. Nothing special really, she didn't even like the painting. But it was always very intriguing to me. Last November, after my grandmother passed on, I made a small copy of her bottle painting, which ended up being very comforting to me. As I painted I was able to think the way she thought when she did the original painting and it helped me understand my grandmother better as an artist. It was a good time of healing during a painful time.

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Medium: Graphite
Size: W: 10in, H: 10in, D: N/A, Weight: N/A
Description: During difficult times I have found that writing my thoughts and feelings down in a journal has helped me process the things that are troubling me. Even if I am ranting and raving with no specific logic or meaning, and even if no one ever sees what I write, I feel remarkably better after I write instead of keeping everything inside.

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Medium: Graphite
Size: W: 10in, H: 10in, D: N/A, Weight: N/A
Description: In a busy, hectic, stressful world, it is important to always remember your dreams and aspirations, no matter how big or small they might be. Sometimes those are the only things that get you through the day and keep you going. Never stop dreaming.

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Medium: Acrylic
Size: W: 14in, H: 11in, D: N/A, Weight: N/A
Description: Some things in life can only be learned through looking back on unfortunate circumstances, and hopefully being able to laugh at our mistakes. This illustration, based on Proverbs 23:1-3, examines the misfortune of negative circumstances due to gluttony (sin). If the chubby piggy finds a way out of this mess he will certainly have learned his lesson and look back on this situation with a chuckle.

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Medium: Acrylic
Size: W: 11in, H: 8in, D: N/A, Weight: N/A
Description: Whenever paint touches the canvas I feel an adrenaline rush. Everything in my body begins to race and my heart begins to beat faster as I am creating something new. This painting shows what goes on inside of my body when I begin to paint a new piece.

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Medium: Acrylic
Size: W: 11in, H: 8in, D: N/A, Weight: N/A
Description: When two worlds collide they can create something beautiful and the growth of a new beginning can take form when the differences are set aside.

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Medium: Graphite
Size: W: 13in, H: 13in, D: N/A, Weight: N/A
Description: This piece is a representation of the resulting alcohol and drug abuse of a woman. In the photograph on the wall (behind the bottle), she is depicted as a joyful child before the abuse began. The reflection on the pot top portrays her today, as only a mere shadow in front of the light. My personal challenge for this piece was to tell a story through trompe l'oeil, the traditional optic illusion technique.

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Medium: Watercolor
Size: W: 27in, H: 40in, D: 1in, Weight: 3lbs
Description:

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Medium: Acrylic
Size: W: 6in, H: 22in, D: 1.5in, Weight: 1lbs
Description: Unplanned moments can change our mood within seconds. Healing, whether physical or emotional, happens over time. Stages occur that one can usually only recognize after. This piece can be displayed as one painting or as three different paintings; the first is when the healing is most clear and recognizable, the last, is the time when one can just let it go.

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Medium: Photography
Size: W: 13in, H: 16in, D: 1in, Weight: 2lbs
Description: "We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty." - Maya Angelou. This quote has changed my life. I lost my mother almost twelve years ago and, whenever someone heard about it, they were always amazed at how strong I seemed. This quote helped me realized I was strong because it happened. Emotional strength does not develop the same way physical strength does. One cannot simply lift weights to get stronger. It is the challenges in one's life that change us. It gives us two options: give up or deal with it. When someone chooses to deal with it, they become stronger. Those moments do not usually happen with knowledge. One looks back after an ordeal and realizes that they are a different person, as do outsiders. I always try to remember this quote before judging a person. Who knows what they have been through?

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Medium: Mixed Media
Size: W: 43in, H: 35in, D: 3in, Weight: 4lbs
Description: Art resembles life. The content of any vessel is ove- looked until it becomes damaged and begins to spill out and disclose the spirit of humanity for everyone to see. Once we judge that the vessel is broken, we administrate care and compassion. The omission gives the lost soul reason to hide and hold all emotion safe in the utter quiet of the dark night. We recognize and give attention to the damaged container filling it with support, nurturing and returning it back to society.

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Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Size: W: 35in, H: 34in, D: 2in, Weight: 4lbs
Description: The understood touch of another reflects the humanity between us all, but when we reflect on the touch we realize it contains a world of possibility and diversity. By touching, one takes it to the next level and intimacy shows its basic cause. By mixing our soup we create the gourmet that is culture.

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Medium: Oil and Digital Painting
Size: W: 14in, H: 11in, D: N/A, Weight: N/A
Description: This current series is titled "Dangerous Angels." I've always been fascinated by angels, not as religious icons, but as archetypal characters that resonate with so many. Guardians and saviors come in many forms, sometimes unexpected, and not always warm and friendly. And yet if one looks deeply enough, there is beauty and wisdom to be found even in the worst moments (and people) of our lives. This series is about finding those transformative experiences, or raising angels out of the darkness.

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Medium: Oil and Digital Painting
Size: W: 14in, H: 11in, D: N/A, Weight: N/A
Description: This current series is titled "Dangerous Angels." I've always been fascinated by angels, not as religious icons, but as archetypal characters that resonate with so many. Guardians and saviors come in many forms, sometimes unexpected, and not always warm and friendly. And yet if one looks deeply enough, there is beauty and wisdom to be found even in the worst moments (and people) of our lives. This series is about finding those transformative experiences, or raising angels out of the darkness.

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Medium: Oil and Digital Painting
Size: W: 14in, H: 11in, D: N/A, Weight: N/A
Description: This current series is titled "Dangerous Angels." I've always been fascinated by angels, not as religious icons, but as archetypal characters that resonate with so many. Guardians and saviors come in many forms, sometimes unexpected, and not always warm and friendly. And yet if one looks deeply enough, there is beauty and wisdom to be found even in the worst moments (and people) of our lives. This series is about finding those transformative experiences, or raising angels out of the darkness.

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Medium: Oil and Digital Painting
Size: W: 14in, H: 11in, D: N/A, Weight: N/A
Description: This current series is titled "Dangerous Angels." I've always been fascinated by angels, not as religious icons, but as archetypal characters that resonate with so many. Guardians and saviors come in many forms, sometimes unexpected, and not always warm and friendly. And yet if one looks deeply enough, there is beauty and wisdom to be found even in the worst moments (and people) of our lives. This series is about finding those transformative experiences, or raising angels out of the darkness.

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Medium: Oil and Digital Painting
Size: W: 14in, H: 11in, D: N/A, Weight: N/A
Description: This current series is titled "Dangerous Angels." I've always been fascinated by angels, not as religious icons, but as archetypal characters that resonate with so many. Guardians and saviors come in many forms, sometimes unexpected, and not always warm and friendly. And yet if one looks deeply enough, there is beauty and wisdom to be found even in the worst moments (and people) of our lives. This series is about finding those transformative experiences, or raising angels out of the darkness.

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Medium: Found Object, Kinetic, Interactive
Size: W: 10in, H: 20in, D: 21in, Weight: 40lbs
Description: This piece was inspired by my wife's large extended family during a visit to see them in W. Virginia a few years back. I witnessed the incredible relationships between the individuals of her family and the many generations it encompassed.

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Medium: Found Object, Kinetic, Interactive
Size: W: 10in, H: 12in, D: 6in, Weight: 15lbs
Description: Prayer Wheel was built as an interactive piece modeled after the prayer wheels of other cultures. By turning the hand and looking in the mirror, my hope is that the reflection coupled with the mantra repeated over and over will help to enforce the notion that within all of us there is a universe.

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Medium: Found Object, Bronze
Size: W: 4in, H: 6in, D: 4in, Weight: 8lbs
Description: This is a small hand held kinetic piece built simply for holding and thinking.

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Medium: Found Object, Kinetic
Size: W: 6in, H: 12in, D: 5in, Weight: 12lbs
Description: This sculpture, when kinetically driven on a Monday morning, mirrors the feeling we all sometimes get of being trapped by the work week and how repetitious it can feel at times. I was inspired by a daydream I had once during work, while looking out the window at some birds and how the simple thought occurred to me that they don't have Mondays.

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Medium: Found Object, Stainless Steel
Size: W: 10in, H: 6in, D: 4in, Weight: 8lbs
Description: This sculpture was built simply for the bright polished stainless steel finish and the circular movement of its main gear.

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Medium: Photography
Size: W: 10,5in, H: 12.5in, D: 0.75in, Weight: 1lbs
Description: Flowers are such a nice way to bring color into everyday life. A bouquet was delivered to our office and it was so lively and bright that it made me happy every time I passed it. When several of the flowers began to wilt, I arranged the flowers that were left and took pictures. Now they can be enjoyed forever, and continue to give me that burst of optimism.

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Medium: Mixed media photography/findings
Size: W: 9in, H: 11in, D: 1in, Weight: 3lbs
Description: The secret message in the bottle says it all...Live in Color. :) Color impacts us every day; whether brightening our mood and inspiring our best efforts, or dulling our excitement and sapping our energy. In this piece I gathered things from my daily life - items from the studio where I create, skirts that I love, and the coffee mug I use, to show that color can be a wonderful daily choice. Consider exploring which colors inspire you most, and let them work a bit of magic for you!

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Medium: Mixed media acrylic and photography
Size: W: 8in, H: 8in, D: 2in, Weight: 1lbs
Description: I was walking up to my door when I saw a butterfly resting on the pavement outside. I grabbed my camera and tried to sneak up on him, because I love butterflies. To my surprise, not only did he not mind, but he opened his wings fully and let me see the beautiful colors that had been hidden before! Blue dots ran along the inside of both his wings. This made me think about the inner thoughts we are often too shy or too private to share...and what a terrible waste that can be. I?ve been told that the beauty of introverts is in the rich observation and wisdom we carry silently...and that we must speak up or people will never receive the best of us. As an ever-ready "listener type", I am still working on this, and this piece reminds me ? both of that moment in my yard and of the message. I invite those of you who "get" it, to try sharing more of your gifts as well. :)

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Medium: Mixed media acrylic/photography
Size: W: 19.5in, H: 47.5in, D: 0.75in, Weight: 7lbs
Description: We are surrounded and affected by color every day; the shoes we put on, the meal we sit down to, and the light that lets us "go" or makes us "stop"... This piece is about reflecting on our inner workings... Which colors help us heal? Which ones cheer us up, make us feel beautiful or at home? If you?re interested in finding out, there are great resources, and my favorite - Collage. Grab magazines and start tearing out and gluing down the pictures that speak to you. Before long, your own personal color scheme will emerge, and that's a great place to start.

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Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Size: W: 36in, H: 24in, D: 2in, Weight: 5lbs
Description: Recently, my wife lost both her parents within a year's time. Only after a bout of depression is she now, as she said, coming out of her shell. I wanted to show my support for her overcoming the sadness in her life and create a painting that shows her with a slight sign of a smile, marking the moment she broke out of depression, and still with her heart in hand. She looks upward at her parents in the sky, her hair flowing which signifies a gust of fresh air and a free flow of her feelings once again.

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Medium: Acrylic on Bristol Paper
Size: W: 16in, H: 20in, D: 1in, Weight: 10lbs
Description: Since the age of 16 I?ve battled chronic anxiety and depression. The first few years I was very shut off from the world and wanted no one to know about my problems. This painting embodies how I kept a lot of my anxiety bottled up for years. In the painting the word ?Anxiety? is actually hidden.

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Medium: Linolium Block Print
Size: W: 12in, H: 9in, D: 1in, Weight: 5lbs
Description: In the past few years I?ve developed severe allergies. At one point, my doctors had me on so much preventative medicine, along with my depression and anxiety medicine, that I felt like I was constantly being swallowed up by the pills that I had to take every day. I hated how the medicine?s side effects made me feel, so it was a constant battle every day to get myself to take what was prescribed to me.

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Medium: graphite and graphite powder
Size: W: 10in, H: 7in, D: N/A, Weight: N/A
Description: At the age of 7 my eyes fell in love with drawings. Everywhere I looked there were cartoons, game covers, comics, graffiti, and cereal boxes. I was hooked. My goal in life is to always do what I love and what I love is making art. My artwork is original and a representation of me. I love that one of my drawings can create multiple emotions and ideas without saying or writing a word. The pencil is my favorite tool to use. There is something about the originality and the naked honesty that the graphite displays onto the paper. Pencil shows, plain and simple, that an artist can draw. My illustration is the truth in regarding what students are eating even though we all wish we could eat healthy. It's a depiction of the truth. It can be looked upon as serious or humor. Seriousness on the factor that America is becoming one of the most obese countries for multiple reasons. Humor in regarding that we all once had a breakfast like this picture. Seeing this illustration can bring you back to that time when you had no money or no time and had to get a quick snack.

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Medium: Charcoal
Size: W: 14.5in, H: 14in, D: N/A, Weight: N/A
Description: Personal health has two parts to it: mental and physical. The physical health of a person is mostly noticeable and visible to the eyes of others. However, the mental health is not easily shown. In this particular piece, the girl in the drawing is suffering from mental issues but is trying to hide it from the rest of the people. When the spotlight is on her, she tries to cover up her face in order to hide her emotions, emotions shown in her eyes, eyes revealing the secret of her mental health problem.

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Medium: Photography
Size: W: 14in, H: 11in, D: 3/4in, Weight: 3lbs
Description: Healing disguised in the belly of hilarity. Laughter, the best medicine.

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Medium: Watercolor
Size: W: 18in, H: 14in, D: 1in, Weight: 2lbs
Description: A watercolor picture is from Auguste Rodin's terracotta sculpture of "Young Girl Flowered Hat." This watercolor was enlarged from a photograph taken when visiting the Rodin Museum in Paris, France. This watercolor was completed during my first formal art class at CSUF with Professor George James in 2007

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Medium: Photograph on Metallic Paper
Size: W: 18in, H: 22in, D: 2in, Weight: 3lbs
Description: While walking though the Old Medina in Casablanca, Morocco, a vendor was selling pomegranates. The lighting, colors and composition were a perfect setting for this photo

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Medium: Photograph mounted on Canvas
Size: W: 16in, H: 16in, D: 2in, Weight: 1lbs
Description: While riding a public bus in Italy, I saw a window designer suNeying his work. The bus stopped right in front of his window and I just pointed the camera and took my shot Afterwards, I noticed the bus window had a black design which was also included in the photograph. It just added to the overall effect of the finished product.

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Medium: Photography on Framed Canvas
Size: W: 17in, H: 14in, D: 2in, Weight: 3lbs
Description: While walking through a street market in San Martin this street vendor was selling his wares. His face, hair and colors of his clothes and surroundings made a great statement of the Caribbean. He was as pleased with the results as the photographer - mel

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Medium: Photography
Size: W: 11in, H: 14in, D: N/A, Weight: N/A
Description: Waterfalls are not merely the end of that which is above or the beginning of what is formed below rather the union of the two. Healing accomplishes the same, bringing the old to the new, not a separate process but one which binds a prior condition to the creation of a newness to be lived in a unique and different way.

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Medium: Photography
Size: W: 11in, H: 14in, D: N/A, Weight: N/A
Description: What appears to be solitary in nature is in fact immersed in its totality. Healing, too, is the same, more than a single, stationary act; rather a multifaceted, complex integration of spirit, mind, and body.

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Medium: Photography / PhotoShop
Size: W: 20in, H: 16in, D: 1in, Weight: 1lbs
Description: { Curiosity Created the Designer } There has always been controversy over whether graphic design can be considered art. Graphic design is not often seen displayed in galleries or exhibits, nor is it often seen framed in houses, but graphic design is everywhere. Art is personal expression, and graphic design is using personal expression to convey a message. It is not only creating for the sake of creating, it is creating to convince, to persuade, to spark interest. Personally, graphic design is one of the most appealing artistic fields today. Graphic designers begin with the principles of design, which can be expanded into an infinite array of artistic endeavors. Balance, proportion, rhythm, emphasis, and unity guide the designer to desired results, and though the designer may lean to one principle more than another, all are equally important in successful design. Adobe Illustrator is a helpful tool in creating forms in design, but Adobe Photoshop can be used to increase interest in design. As a design approach, I often use several layers to incorporate a rich amount of texture and complexity. Currently, my design work has taken a step back from my previous themes. A successful design should have the ability to completely change the feel of their design work, which is what I consistently thrive for. Creating several versions of the same project in different styles greatly increases versatility. Being curious creates successful designs, and opens paths for new concepts.

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Medium: Photography / PhotoShop
Size: W: 20in, H: 16in, D: 1in, Weight: 1lbs
Description: { Curiosity Created the Designer } There has always been controversy over whether graphic design can be considered art. Graphic design is not often seen displayed in galleries or exhibits, nor is it often seen framed in houses, but graphic design is everywhere. Art is personal expression, and graphic design is using personal expression to convey a message. It is not only creating for the sake of creating, it is creating to convince, to persuade, to spark interest. Personally, graphic design is one of the most appealing artistic fields today. Graphic designers begin with the principles of design, which can be expanded into an infinite array of artistic endeavors. Balance, proportion, rhythm, emphasis, and unity guide the designer to desired results, and though the designer may lean to one principle more than another, all are equally important in successful design. Adobe Illustrator is a helpful tool in creating forms in design, but Adobe Photoshop can be used to increase interest in design. As a design approach, I often use several layers to incorporate a rich amount of texture and complexity. Currently, my design work has taken a step back from my previous themes. A successful design should have the ability to completely change the feel of their design work, which is what I consistently thrive for. Creating several versions of the same project in different styles greatly increases versatility. Being curious creates successful designs, and opens paths for new concepts.

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Medium: Mixed Media (Acrylic, Chalk, Ink)
Size: W: 24in, H: 48in, D: 2in, Weight: 10lbs
Description: I paint because it is a more effective way to communicate my feelings and emotions rather than talking. As a lonely little girl growing up in Iran and being outcast because of my beliefs, caused me to start painting and drawing at a really early age. I used painting as a tool to create my imaginary world full of imaginary people. In my opinion, this creative outlet saved me from developing a lot of personal issues and it was a healing process for me through the time. My favorite part of my work is that it's about my personal life experience and my point of view. It's about how you should fight all the difficulties and strange in your life to be able to survive, because one day you?re going to look back and find out how all those things helped you to be the person you are now, hopefully a better person, and It has an important message, not just a pretty picture...It has meaning. Concepts in my work include the harshness of war, politics, religion and how these things affect people's behavior and can cause violence and evil. Images in my work have developed from feelings of youth and the actions of others influencing my life into present day feelings of adulthood and recovery from past events. "Healing in Disguise'" is a perfect term to describe my paintings. Something difficult, it can actually be a healing experience, but it is in disguise because you can't recognize it right away.

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Medium: Mixed Media (acrylic, chalk, ink), carvi
Size: W: 3in, H: 6in, D: 2in, Weight: 6lbs
Description: I paint because it is a more effective way to communicate my feelings and emotions rather than talking. As a lonely little girl growing up in Iran and being outcast because of my beliefs, caused me to start painting and drawing at a really early age. I used painting as a tool to create my imaginary world full of imaginary people. In my opinion, this creative outlet saved me from developing a lot of personal issues and it was a healing process for me through the time. My favorite part of my work is that it's about my personal life experience and my point of view. It's about how you should fight all the difficulties and strange in your life to be able to survive, because one day you?re going to look back and find out how all those things helped you to be the person you are now, hopefully a better person, and It has an important message, not just a pretty picture...It has meaning. Concepts in my work include the harshness of war, politics, religion and how these things affect people's behavior and can cause violence and evil. Images in my work have developed from feelings of youth and the actions of others influencing my life into present day feelings of adulthood and recovery from past events. "Healing in Disguise'" is a perfect term to describe my paintings. Something difficult, it can actually be a healing experience, but it is in disguise because you can't recognize it right away.

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Medium: Mixed Media (acrylic, chalk, ink), carvi
Size: W: 36in, H: 30in, D: 2in, Weight: 7lbs
Description: I paint because it is a more effective way to communicate my feelings and emotions rather than talking. As a lonely little girl growing up in Iran and being outcast because of my beliefs, caused me to start painting and drawing at a really early age. I used painting as a tool to create my imaginary world full of imaginary people. In my opinion, this creative outlet saved me from developing a lot of personal issues and it was a healing process for me through the time. My favorite part of my work is that it's about my personal life experience and my point of view. It's about how you should fight all the difficulties and strange in your life to be able to survive, because one day you?re going to look back and find out how all those things helped you to be the person you are now, hopefully a better person, and It has an important message, not just a pretty picture...It has meaning. Concepts in my work include the harshness of war, politics, religion and how these things affect people's behavior and can cause violence and evil. Images in my work have developed from feelings of youth and the actions of others influencing my life into present day feelings of adulthood and recovery from past events. "Healing in Disguise'" is a perfect term to describe my paintings. Something difficult, it can actually be a healing experience, but it is in disguise because you can't recognize it right away.

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Medium: Mixed Media (acrylic, chalk, ink)
Size: W: 48in, H: 12in, D: 2in, Weight: 6lbs
Description: I paint because it is a more effective way to communicate my feelings and emotions rather than talking. As a lonely little girl growing up in Iran and being outcast because of my beliefs, caused me to start painting and drawing at a really early age. I used painting as a tool to create my imaginary world full of imaginary people. In my opinion, this creative outlet saved me from developing a lot of personal issues and it was a healing process for me through the time. My favorite part of my work is that it's about my personal life experience and my point of view. It's about how you should fight all the difficulties and strange in your life to be able to survive, because one day you?re going to look back and find out how all those things helped you to be the person you are now, hopefully a better person, and It has an important message, not just a pretty picture...It has meaning. Concepts in my work include the harshness of war, politics, religion and how these things affect people's behavior and can cause violence and evil. Images in my work have developed from feelings of youth and the actions of others influencing my life into present day feelings of adulthood and recovery from past events. "Healing in Disguise'" is a perfect term to describe my paintings. Something difficult, it can actually be a healing experience, but it is in disguise because you can't recognize it right away.

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Medium: Mixed Media (acrylic, chalk, ink, collag
Size: W: 36in, H: 36in, D: 2in, Weight: 7lbs
Description: I paint because it is a more effective way to communicate my feelings and emotions rather than talking. As a lonely little girl growing up in Iran and being outcast because of my beliefs, caused me to start painting and drawing at a really early age. I used painting as a tool to create my imaginary world full of imaginary people. In my opinion, this creative outlet saved me from developing a lot of personal issues and it was a healing process for me through the time. My favorite part of my work is that it's about my personal life experience and my point of view. It's about how you should fight all the difficulties and strange in your life to be able to survive, because one day you?re going to look back and find out how all those things helped you to be the person you are now, hopefully a better person, and It has an important message, not just a pretty picture...It has meaning. Concepts in my work include the harshness of war, politics, religion and how these things affect people's behavior and can cause violence and evil. Images in my work have developed from feelings of youth and the actions of others influencing my life into present day feelings of adulthood and recovery from past events. "Healing in Disguise'" is a perfect term to describe my paintings. Something difficult, it can actually be a healing experience, but it is in disguise because you can't recognize it right away.

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Medium: Digital Graphics
Size: W: 18in, H: 24in, D: 2in, Weight: 4lbs
Description: Incognito and Incognito II is a compilation of years of self discoveries produced in paintings, paper sculptures, mixed media, pastels, photography, digital imaging, etc. I experience the miraculous switch from producing traditional art to abstract portraits. I could have never imagined that I would ever discover and have the opportunity to meet many great artists and art historians resembling me, having such an extraordinary of my healing process. These digital graphics represent and embrace my journey and inspirations with great faculty and mentors, placed in my path at a much needed time. I, however, was not in the mood to discover that any of my art, at that particularly time, resembled, African Masks. Even after, the mistrel image of the Man in Strawhat suddenly appeared, it was still painful to accept ... me! To accept that my artistic process is now totally out of my control. How shocking? I was certain I knew who I was...Really I did...or didn't I? My works deal with life and represents this never-ending journey and process to seek justice and equalities, because injustices and inequalities take a massive toll on crushing the human spirit. Incognito holds some of these images, I refer to as Stoic (series) Collections, paper sculpted images, later rendered in paintings and most recently digitally manipulated. Some of the images hidden beneath, is a self-portrait; a story book image of my recently deceased mom, William (Bill) Taylor. The digitally-designed background is a pattern created from an earlier paper sculpted image, that I was not so happy with, but digitally becomes a favorite piece.

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Medium: Digital Graphics
Size: W: 18in, H: 24in, D: 2in, Weight: 4lbs
Description: Incognito II continues with a majority of abstract facial images freeing oneself from bondage. Yet is surrounded by nature's creatures and hidden beneath the flowing and sturdy tree limbs echoes that constant reach beyond earth. It is, therefore, a representation when exceptional educational experiences occurs, integrity, dignity and respect where one receives healing in that once you find and accept who you are, you are forever free to take advantage of and focus on the positive side of existence.

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Medium: Oil & Acrylic on Wood Panel
Size: W: 24in, H: 18in, D: 1in, Weight: 1lbs
Description: As kids, we harbor no inhibitions. The thoughts and imagery that exists within our mind as a child are sometimes the only source of entertainment we have. What I hope to achieve with this painting is to encourage others to maintain a child-like curiosity towards the world and never stop dreaming--for me, that is where one's heart and soul derive. The shadow of the boy shows that he exists on a physical realm, and the absence of the shadows of the sea creatures suggests that these images are strictly from his imagination--but it is the boy's own reality. Don't ever lose one's curiosity.