The other day my sister was at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Michigan. She was with a friend who was having a suspicious lump removed. Hearts were heavy. As they were walking down the hall, they saw my canvas reproductions (including this one) hanging on the walls. My sister sent me a text. She said my art was on the walls, that is was an inspiration to women who were scared, hurting, uncertain.
Having worked many many years as a medical social worker in hospitals before becoming a full time artist, I always love the full circle moments that come when I hear stories of my art being found in hospitals. Hospitals are where I grew up in my 20’s, leaning into the burdens and lightness that illness or uncertainty can bring to families. It’s where I found life, and stories, and courage in every room, in every medical chart. It’s where I learned that Hope was as strong a medicine as any other life saving treatment.
As I read the text from my sister, I felt that full circle blessing again. I cannot tell you how much I love that hospitals are supporting my work. I cannot tell you how much I love that it’s giving patients and families a meaningful way, even if just for a brief moment when they pass it by in the halls, to be centered in their courage, vulnerability, and hope. I love the full circle-ness, too, that creating art is healing and nurturing and joyful for me and then, like the best of serendipity, it goes out into the world to become a small portal for someone else’s healing and nurturing and joy when, against all odds, they find it staring back at them in a boutique, a hospital room, or office . I cannot tell you how it warms my heart to be a part of that full circle.
Art heals, saves, and inspires.
Thank you, hospitals. Hearts. Friends. For being a part of this most important journey with me. I’m so glad we’re in this circle together.
XO,
Kelly Rae
This is a very beautiful post. I am deeply moved by it.
When I was seven weeks post-partum with my first child, I was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma. It was a very scary and anxiety filled time for me. It was nine long months of chemo and radiation, and although I would never have chosen this path on my own, it showed me so many amazing things about MYSELF that I never knew existed inside of me. On a vacation I took about halfway through the treatment, I ran into your art, and it was exactly what I needed to express my "new found" self. Brave Girl was one of the pieces I purchased. I have thrown around ideas of where I wanted to put it in my house, and now, a year and a half in remission, I have found the perfect place…my brand new daughter Olivia's room 🙂
What a sweet message to get from your sister, Kelly. I have terminal cancer that started with breast cancer. I had a Hospice Nurse who recommended making a Happy Wall that I could look at from my bed. I did that and I am happy to share that I have many of your pieces on that wall! And, they DO make me happy. My next purchase will be your "Mama" figurine. : )
Thanks for doing What you Do! Hugs ~ Jo
The first time I saw your licensed art was in our local hospital's hospitality shop. So appropriate.
Many blessings to you.
Beautiful! I volunteer for a non-profit in Austin, TX called "Swan Songs." Please watch the video that I created from them, it will warm your heart.
http://youtu.be/7CwDeZDZUks
Love to you, Christina
Hi Kelly Rae Roberts…
Your journey is a blessing to everyone who sees it, and to know that hospitals are having it on their walls, and that it brings healing to the patients hearts is a plus…
How blessed you are and that in itself, in your beautiful art work you are a blessing to others as well…Teared eyed as I think of so many people sick with illnesses that take their lives out of course….
Thank you for being such a light in this world and for blessing those that see your art work in the hospitals and offices…
It is a blessing that art indeed Heals, Saves, & Inspires…
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Aviles
What a lovely fruition!! I'm wondering if there is a message in knowing this!! Possibly more art needed in a children's hospital?
Always a pleasure to visit!!
Hugs Giggles
What a lovely thing and such sweetness in this post…heading in for a few big tests. I needed a Brave Girl boost! Xo.