Finally back to work
After our home was hit by a flood, I had to throw away SO much work. That was in October, and I have not been able to pick up a paint brush since then.
Of all the pieces that I had to throw into the trash, I could not throw this piece away…
Even though it has some damage on the bottom, I have decided that I want to finish it and hang it in my house. My daughter loves the antlers and so I want to finish it for her ❤️
Experiencing significant damage to an art collection due to a home flood is emotionally challenging for any artist. It not only impacts physical materials but also disrupts creative momentum. Returning to painting after such an event requires resilience and renewed inspiration. Many artists faced with natural disasters choose to focus on restoration or completing unfinished works that hold sentimental value. In this case, the decision to finish a piece with antlers despite some damage highlights the powerful role art plays in personal healing and family connection. The emotional attachment to the piece, especially motivated by the artist’s daughter’s fondness, emphasizes how art can foster meaningful relationships. From a mixed media perspective, repairing and enhancing damaged artwork allows exploration of new techniques that can both preserve and creatively transform the piece. Artists can incorporate elements like textured layers, paints designed for durability, or found objects to enrich the work’s narrative. For those returning to their craft after setbacks, setting achievable goals such as focusing on one meaningful artwork can reinvigorate creativity. Community-based initiatives like #createwithme and #lemon8challenge provide platforms to share progress and receive encouragement, aiding motivation. Artistic recovery and continuity post-flood are also aided by documenting the process, which helps in reflecting on growth and inspiring others facing similar hardships. This narrative of resilience and renewal is valuable to both artists and audiences within the art and mixed media communities.