The “eyes” have it! I was listening to an interview on Colorado Public Radio today featuring Sally Lincoln, a Colorado artist. Sally goes to the VA nursing home and creates portraits of the residents. She thought she’d go in and paint a few portraits and then leave but the impact the portrait experience was having on the residents and the staff was deep.
It’s not often that we get to really see ourselves. We see ourselves in the mirror but we have a skewed view of ourselves. We choose to see the features we want and ignore those that emphasize our age or slight imperfections. When your portrait is painted your essence is caught by someone outside your body. The artist has the opportunity to show you to you through their eyes.
As I was listening to the residents I was amazed at how much love the subjects expressed for themselves after seeing the portrait. They were able to view themselves with love and appreciation, even at their advanced age and with all their limitations. The art offered them the gift of personal acceptance. The painting allowed them to experience receiving, something many of us have trouble with throughout our lives.
Consider having a portrait done and capture your essence!
Pilgrim Pathway/Surviving Strong 