“Remedy”: In Their Own Words

The focus of ArtsWestchester’s current exhibition is to examine the connection between art and healing. The works represent two aspects of this association – art that visualizes or responds to the tools, methods and institutions of healing, as well as works that explore how art can help communities in collective healing or embody an act of personal healing. Many of the 16 artists in the show use their work as a response to personal experiences, so here are some of their words about their own work as it relates to the thematic topic of Remedy.

“The desire is to make a place of ‘one-ness’ in the process of creating my mandalas that translates to the viewer as a place of inspired peace, a place of meditation.”
–Pamella Allen

“The American Medical Series is a statement to a loved one’s medical treatment and illness. Though not sentimental, it is an illustration of emotions through anatomical paintings.”
–Peter Konsterlie

“I didn’t understand how important art was in the healing process until I was in need. I learned to take the experience and place it in the artwork. Once it is on the wall, I have given the pain away. I no longer have the burden… When I share, I hear from others who may have had the same experience. I always encourage them to use art to release their hardship – write it down, paint it or sing about it, whatever works.”
–Annie Lopez

“Each piece in the show focuses the public’s attention, even for a moment, on a specific aspect of medicine and healing … My piece, Organ Donation Box, calls attention to the need for the public to sign their driver’s license to be an organ donor.”
–Jackie Lorieo

“These oversized [pillow] renderings of antipsychotics and antidepressants provide a different kind of comfort than their prescription counterparts. The tedious and time-consuming nature of the latch hook craft provides a sufficiently mind-altering placebo effect [for me as an artist as well].”
–Laura Splan

Remedy will remain on view through January 14 at: ArtsWestchester’s Gallery, 31 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains. For more info, visit: artsw.org/remedyart.

A version of this article first appeared in the December 2016 / January 2017 issue of ArtsNews, ArtsWestchester’s monthly publication. ArtsNews is distributed throughout Westchester County. A digital copy is also available at artsw.org/artsnews.