Healing Hands
Caregivers’ Expressions on mental wellness
artist demographics
Immersive Connection
Ashna Karpe (she/her/hers)
Watercolor, acrylic gouache, and gel ink pen, 20 in x 16 in
Practicing mindfulness during a difficult time keeps one grounded and present. It helps one focus on the experiences at hand rather than cycle into the storm of worries, anxiety, and stress that comes with caregiving. A genuine human connection during a time of extreme vulnerability blocks out everything else happening in the environment; it is during this moment that one gains the capacity to be present for both themselves and those around us. Through the experiences and memories we share with others, we create an everlasting cycle that connects us and allows us to care for each other. As a hospice volunteer, I struggled to connect with my first patient when she began declining. Through another caregiver, I learned to stop overthinking every small detail of my interaction with the patient; only then could I ground myself in the moment and simply comfort her by holding her hand.
I volunteered with hospice patients starting in high school and throughout college. My experiences as a volunteer greatly shaped my journey to applying to medical school. As a current medical student, I will continue being part of a caregiving team for my future patients. I make art in my free time as a form of self-expression. It helps me better understand and process my experiences as emotions and often allows me to describe experiences in a way other people can better comprehend in a visual format.
Inforescence
Ashna Karpe (she/her/hers)
Watercolor and colored pencil, 30 in x 25 in
This art piece depicts the constant weight of processing one’s emotions during a mentally and emotionally heavy time. The woman depicted in mainly dark blue tones connects to and transforms into the woman in brighter red tones. Her body language changes from a huddled, heavy individual into one who stands prouder and brighter. However, these two versions coexist; one cannot be completely replaced by the other. Even when an individual feels they are done processing their emotions, it is the memories and weight of both good and bad experiences that remind them to keep growing. The woman in the painting is carrying the emotional toll that comes with caregiving. Understanding the associated heaviness and that it is a constant journey of processing one’s emotions and then coming to terms with this process allows for one to continue growing as a caregiver.
I volunteered with hospice patients starting in high school and throughout college. My experiences as a volunteer greatly shaped my journey to applying to medical school. As a current medical student, I will continue being part of a caregiving team for my future patients. I make art in my free time as a form of self-expression. It helps me better understand and process my experiences as emotions and often allows me to describe experiences in a way other people can better comprehend in a visual format.
i did it; just five more minutes; good morning
Cindy Williams (she/her)
16 in x12 in
www.cindywilliamswareart.com
I paint to portray connections and the joy and solace that arises from this important part of our lives.
Connection is what we all long for.
Connection gives purpose to our lives.
Connection lends strength in difficult situations.
Connection is the foundation of love Depicting emotion with the expressive movement of paint allows me to lay down my own emotion and heal
A child's trust in her mother shows as she tries and fails to push back rest
As she jumps into her arms after overcoming a challenge
As she hugs her brother.
I am a physician I enjoy painting and sharing the joy of painting with both Care Partners Dementia Care Center and The Sunshine Kids through the Arts of Healing
i will remember for you
Dalia Moghazy
Acrylic on canvas, 16 x 20 in
This painting displays a visual metaphor for dementia. The stark transformation that occurs from this disease is highlighted by the juxtaposition of the anatomical brain with whimsical, nature-inspired elements. The left side symbolizes cognitive clarity. In contrast, the other side of the brain is transformed into a garden of flowers. These flowers, delicate and colorful, symbolize the fleeting nature of beautiful memories as they lose shape and coherence.
Butterflies are seen flying away symbolizing memories that are gradually drifting away. This represents the memory loss associated with dementia, illustrating how once-clear recollections become ephemeral, much like butterflies in the wind. Painting allows me to highlight the enduring beauty and essence of my mother, enabling me to visualize her experience and foster a deeper connection and compassion. This helps mitigate helplessness, replacing it with acceptance and a gentle approach to caregiving. It serves as a reminder to cherish the present moments.
I am a caregiver for my mother who struggles with dementia. I am also a physician. As an artist, I use painting as a creative outlet to express emotions and experiences that are hard to articulate. Painting allows me to explore different themes, often inspired by personal experiences, such as caring for my mother with dementia.
when life drains, music resuscitates
Faria Javed (she/her)
Charcoal, colored pencils, white paint marker, 11 in x 14 in
The first piece shows a dying heart being drained, symbolizing how one can feel exhausted and depleted after a stressful day filled with tasks and responsibilities, especially while being a caregiver. In contrast, the second piece depicts a healthy heart, empowered by music, breaking through a wall of negative emotions. Music's power to soothe and uplift is beyond words, providing solace and strength in ways I never imagined. Through these artworks, I aim to convey the transformative impact of music on my life and its universal ability to heal and comfort. Caregiving brings me immense joy; however, it also comes with moments of frustration. To cope with these emotions, I turned to music, which has been a profound source of healing. I believe many people today also rely on music as a refuge, helping them navigate their own difficult times.
Growing up, my dad was my hero in many ways. Despite being diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a rare disease that causes progressive vision loss, he never let his condition define him. Instead, he taught me the true meaning of resilience and strength. As his caregiver, I’ve had the privilege of being there for him in ways that matter deeply. I help him with the daily tasks most people take for granted, like driving him around and running errands. I walk beside him at night while holding his hand, ensuring he safely navigates his path. These moments, though challenging, have brought us closer and allowed me to see the world through his eyes – eyes that, despite their physical limitations, see the beauty and potential in everything. His unwavering positivity and determination inspire me every day. Even when things are tough, he pushes me to move forward and strive for my best. Being a caregiver for my dad has taught me patience, compassion, and the importance of never giving up. He is more than just a father to me; he is my motivation and my guide. His journey with retinitis pigmentosa has shaped his life and mine, instilling in me a deep sense of purpose and a commitment to help others in need. As an artist, I express my feelings through drawing, specifically using charcoal as my medium. I love to take everyday objects as references and distort them in my own abstract way of realism. This approach allows me to intertwine my emotions with the subjects I depict, expressing them on a canvas. Each stroke of charcoal lets me explore and convey my innermost thoughts and feelings, transforming the ordinary into something uniquely personal. Through my work, I aim to capture the essence of these objects while infusing them with my perspective, creating a blend of reality and abstraction. My art reflects my emotional journey, inviting viewers, primarily my family and friends, to connect with my experiences and see the world through my eyes.
confetti kisses
Katherine Tipps
Canvas and acrylic paint, 30x40
www.katherinemarietipps.com
Confetti kisses serves as an exploration of the surge of cathartic release an individual feels when reunited with a loved one. Whether observing family members embracing their sick loved ones at the bedside or coming home and showering your spouse with kisses after a difficult shift, confetti kisses provides a visualization of the feeling of joy from being with someone you love and how loving moments can make difficult situations better. Despite the emotional toll the ER demands, the playful brushstrokes and vibrant colors illustrate that there is a sprinkle of joy and love found in a health care career. Viewing these pockets of love prove that the difficult mental demands are worth the effort.
I felt a calling to be a nurse and I’ve worked in the ER for over 6 years and currently work in a clinic focused on preventative health. After battling night shifts during the Covid 19 pandemic, I sought out a creative outlet and became fascinated with abstract art and the ability to express emotions by letting go of control and allowing the freedom of expression.
my sister’s keeper
La’Toya Smith
Oil paint on board, 17 in x 25 in
Latoya-smith.com
The concept is to show safety and love through community. It's up to families to care and raise children as a unit. That is how we all succeed and create better families and individuals for the future. My sister is holding her. She is actually my step sister that eventually I also had to help survive her own trials. We are all the keepers of our love ones.
The child depicted in this piece was the first child I had to assist In raising. Others soon followed, but while her mom and I were both in college she used to be dropped off to me at 6am. I use to bring her with me to school on those days and between classes and lunch her mom and I would take turns throughout the day so we could both attend classes and still take care of her. There was no one else not even the father to help her. I’ve been an oil painter since I was 11 years old.
the passage
Lilibeth Andre
Oil on canvas, 40 in x 36 in
lilibethandre.com
A figure in the darkness guides people through a passage that leads to the light as she sees there are many who are not coming and time is running out. Based on a dream from many years ago. Oil on canvas using no solvents or brushes. The caregiver is many times an empath who connects with the person they are helping. They require much energy to bring a positive light and motivation when sensing despair, fear, exhaustion, anger, and loss of faith and hope. When health becomes invaluable and ephemeral a caregiver is there.
I've cared for my siblings, children, spouse, grandparents, and clients. I was always a caregiver growing up and I became a traditional naturopath, pranic healer, and minister to support body, mind, and spirit using natural therapies, energy, and transpersonal psychology. I help people with chronic illness and have supported people with HIV, Alzheimers and emotional needs. My practice began 40 years ago. I inherited art genes from my four grandparents and parents. I have always been curious to explore, master and apply my tools to express my visions, real or imaginary.
her everlasting love is a kiss from heaven
Maria Beaujean
Embroidered journal, fabric & thread, 8.5 in x 6 in
A journal cover embroidered with thread, as a recreation of a painting that my mother painted for me, a bouquet of flowers. Honoring my mother, my student, her love for art, and her curiosity for the world, I dare to duplicate her art in my own expression, because it is a monument to my time spent as her long-distance caregiver.
I humbly present to you my art, it is my Masterpiece!
I was a long-distance caregiver for my beloved mother. I just Loved it!! I was teaching her English. I would send her pages of sentences, thinking they would last her a week, and to my surprise I would receive all her homework the next day! Sometimes she would get worried about her assignments and at night, before going to sleep, she would memorize new words and the next day she was ready again! I realize now the value of caregiving in that way that I gave to my 80-year Mother/student, which gave her a purpose for life. I embrace that time of my life because it taught me that it is never to late to be excited about learning a new skill. I am who I am because of her, such a great humble, creative, optimistic, resilient, leader role model, Mami Leti, my mother. In her later years she learned how to play the organ and to paint, as well. I consider myself an artist because, since I was 6 years old, I was always taking pictures everywhere. I had so many rolls of film to develop all the time. I also love to do lettering, cards, and calligraphy. I love to design unusual things. I get in a state of flow, where time stops, time doesn’t exist, time doesn’t matter, it’s just me and my world of wonder, where I am immersed in creating a unique piece of art. I do not want to stop, just to BE There is no way to explain the irresistible desire to create the unimaginable, to spark the creativity of others and to inspire them. I invite you to let the artist within you to express itself in any way, to create, to invent, to dare! I believe everyone of us is an Artist in our own way. I am not an artist by trade, but by LOVE. I love what I do, and I do what I Love.
My Therapist and I
Mathieu JN Baptiste (he/him)
Mixed medias on paper, 44 in x 34 in
www.mathieujeanbaptiste.com
My Therapist and I pay homage to the idea and knowing that our mental health lies in its interconnectivity to all things. Our psychological well-being reflects the human spirit within and the mirrors that surround us. “My Therapist and I” reminds us of the importance to have access to mentally sound individuals when our mental health is not as strong. Trusting someone to share our inner thoughts with when those thoughts aren’t always safe.
I became a father in 2022 to my first biological child and supported my wife during her healing from the pregnancy. I am a visual artist and public artist. My Therapist and I pay homage to the idea and knowing that our mental health lies in its interconnectivity to all things.
Frequencies
Mathieu JN Baptiste (he/him)
Acrylic on canvas, 36 in x 84 in
www.mathieujeanbaptiste.com
In Frequencies it reveals the human temperament and how our emotions shift from dark to light thoughts from sunrise through our last shower. It definitely captured me the array of emotions and temperament thru my first year of fatherhood. Becoming a father showed my emotions related to anxiety that I’d never experienced. It was interesting to experience joy and fear within 60 seconds of the other. To experience and share my wife’s joy and pain from labor through postpartum. Lastly, those feelings no being worthy of this gift.
I became a father in 2022 to my first biological child and supported my wife during her healing from the pregnancy. I am a visual artist and public artist.
forgiveness and grace
Mathieu JN Baptiste (he/him)
Acrylic on canvas, 55 in x 72 in
www.mathieujeanbaptiste.com
Does the moon truly impact the ocean, the push of the tides, or the bulges of high tides that sometimes sweep humans into the afterlife realm; yet we still enjoy and look for the moon every night, respectfully? Our mood ebbs and flows as caregivers between love, shame and grace. Forgiveness and Grace examines the shame and disconnect many of us struggle with as it relates to things said or done when emotions are high and fierce like the high tides bulging with force. May the grace we give to the moon be given to ourselves with subtle softness. During this time I held much space for my wife as she went through emotionally exhausting treatment to help conceive our baby. It was difficult for me emotionally having to do things unexpectedly every week not realizing until later my wife was experiencing much more. Forgiveness and grace were constant.
I was a caregiver to my wife 2021-2022 as we attempted to have our first biological child together. I am a visual artist, sculptor and public artist.
eyes of a resilient nurse
Maureen Joy Sain
Charcoal and graphite, 8 in x 10 in
It is a self-portrait of my left eye which has a mole in the corner. The iris contains a tree being blown by the wind. It looks like it is about to break but it will not because of its strong roots. The roots of the tree symbolize my faith, my historical roots as a Filipino nurse, and my family in whom I pray I come home to. As a Registered Nurse, I have firsthand experience dealing with Covid on the frontline. Some stories can only be conveyed through the eyes, as words simply cannot capture the gravity of the situation.
I was a COVID nurse manager in the frontline during the multiple surges of the pandemic at Houston Methodist Hospital Medical Center It is a skill that you never I never lost and can rely on whenever I need it.
casamiento de memorias
Mayra Guevara (she/they)
Photography, cardstock, glue, 14 in x 20.5 in
The artwork submitted is a photo collage created by my photography. I shot these images over several visits to El Salvador with my parents. In these visits, we explored many areas of the motherland. The physical reminder of ancestral stories are woven into each printed image. These images are meticulously cut and placed within the geo-political borders of the country. The white background creates a spotlight effect on this tiny Central American country that is often overlooked in the isthmus. Caretaking has provided me the opportunity to feel closer to my parents after being away for years. Although it is exhausting, an expected result has been the amount of healing in the process. Art is my self-care, creating this collage is a visual representation of our growing connection.
For the last five years, I have dedicated myself to be the full-time caregiver to my aging parents. After building my career in New York for 12 years, news of their declining health was my reason to return to Texas to oversee their healthcare. I am their companion for every visit, their emergency contact, and their strongest advocate for language justice in the medical field. My creative practice has expanded in the last 20+ years. My artistic disciplines are mixed media and fiber arts. In addition to being an artist, I am a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist (NY State) and Registered - Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC). My professional practice enables me to teach technique as means of self-expression. My goal as an artist and a mental health professional is to build community and safe spaces through creative expression.
resilience
Michelle Vo
www.Michellevoart.com
The concept highlights my Vietnamese heritage as it is deeply intertwined with memories of my grandmother. To me, she epitomizes kindness, selflessness, patience, and resilience. The lotus flower holds profound significance in Vietnamese culture, both for its practical use—where every component is utilized—and its symbolic representation of the strength and resilience of the Vietnamese people. There's a Vietnamese saying that reflects this sentiment: 'Even though the lotus rises from the mud, it cannot be tainted by its humble birthplace.' Through my art, I aim to honor her legacy and to express pride in my cultural heritage. This piece illustrates the transition of my emotions throughout the process. Starting from the depths of uncertainty and ascending towards the golden glow of hope and acceptance. As the sun sets below the horizon, it symbolizes the closure of one day and the hopeful anticipation of another.
Earlier this year, I cared for my grandmother during her hospitalization until she passed away. My family and I took shifts to be by her side. I served as her translator, assisting her in communicating with the staff as she did not speak English. In addition to translation, I spent time providing companionship by reading books aloud, creating art together, and interacting with her. I am an artist because I enjoy expressing my ideas in a visually creative way. My goal is to convey messages through visual movement in color studies that experiment with palettes, placement, and form. I work with various mediums including colored pencil, digital art, ink, printmaking, and stained glass. My intention is to leave a lasting impact on the Houston community by creating illustrative pieces that celebrate and underscore the significance of emotional health in vibrant ways.
dissolve me
Rebekah Molander (She/ Her)
Acrylic on canvas, 20 in x20 in
followyourartbyreka.com/
"Dissolve Me" is a pain. It's about living with constant pain, pain that sometimes is all consuming. It feels like it's taking over every part of you. Like there is nothing left of who I am. Like I'm not even a person anymore. Everything about me has been dissolved by pain.
And it's isolating, and lonely... people don't know how to react to things like that, so they walk away and your left alone with your pain to take care of yourself, to get through it and pull yourself out of it, to be a person again. It's not easy caring for someone who feels broken and in a way sometimes it breaks you... even more so when your trying to do it for yourself, it seems unfair to ask someone to be strong when they feel so weak, but that's what you do.
I am a caregiver because I am a person with fibromyalgia and EDS Hypermobility, and I take care of myself everyday. I'm on a restricted diet, and prepare all my meals from scratch every day, I take myself in for acupuncture and physical therapy, I make myself hot baths to sooth my muscles, joints and skin. I take care of myself, and my family, my husband and our son everyday. Before I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and EDS we didn't know or understand what was going on with me, and I went to a dozen doctors asking questions looking for help, and a lot of the time I was told I was just lazy, maybe I was bruising myself I had to learn to advocate for myself, to stand up for myself until I found someone who would actually listen and then I had to listen and research and learn how to care for myself. Being sick is a luxury only the rich can afford, the rest of us have to learn how to live with, work with and care for ourselves. They say, Doctors diagnose, Nurses heal and caregivers make since of it all... I do that for myself. I make since of what I have and how to survive and live with it.I'm a painter, I simply sit down and draw a line around my thoughts and feelings. I work mostly with acrylic and I custom build my own frames and stretch and hand gesso the canvas myself. My art is simply my thoughts and feelings on canvas, my art will tell you more about me than my words ever will.
la receta
Soraya Goode (She/her)
Collage, 27 in x 23 in
La receta muestra el mecanismo o combinación perfecta para la lucha de nuestra mente. Con 1 caja de fe, 1 taza de oración, 1/4 de taza de meditación, 1-2 taza de confianza, 1 cucharada de entrega, 1 cucharadita de pensar positivo, 1 pizca de conciencia, empatía y compasión y 1-4 se taza de gente que suma. Mezcla todo en tu cabeza durante toda tu vida y verás cómo todos podemos controlar al loco que llevamos dentro. Que lo disfrutes!
Mixed media Entrender las enfermedades mentales ha sido párate de mi desarrollo, cuidar y entender la depresión, el suicidio y la demencia me hizo desarrollar "la receta" clave para poder funcionar en armonía y vivir en paz.
Mi papá sufrió depresión toda vida, contando con el apoyo de médicos y familia, hace 18 años se suicido. Hace 7 años atrás mi mamá comenzó a padecer demencia, y desde entonces tuvo que vivir conmigo y mis hermanas, donde le dimos todos los cuidados físicos y emocionales hasta el 23 de enero de 2023 que murió. Nací artista. Después de las muertes de mis padres senti la necesidad de hacer estas obras que son tan solo una mezcla de mi pasión por el comportamiento humano y la necesidad de expresar a gritos mis sentimientos. Darle forma, textura y nombre a mis sentimientos ha sido mi mejor psiquiatra.
1 box of faith.
1 cup of prayer.
1/2 cup of confidence.
1/4 cup of meditation.
2 tablespoons of surrender.
1 teaspoon of positive thinking.
A pinch of self-awareness.
1 tablespoon of surrounding yourself with good people.
quienes somos
Soraya Goode (She/her)
Foam, wood, paper, glue, 12 in x 6 in x 5 in
Vivimos un mundo que nos hace ser dependiendo de nuestras circunstancias, moldeándonos, obligándonos a desfilar una realidad que no es verdadera, pues lo único cierto es que somos lo que hay en nuestra cabeza.
Nacimos cargando más que nuestra historia. Acumulando sombras e historias ajenas, traumas y secretos, tejiéndose antes de nuestra concepción. Tenemos una caja fuerte guardando lo que no queremos recordar viviendo en nosotros, sin salvación…
Salvo atrevernos a enfrentar lo que hay en nuestra cabeza.
Homenaje a mis padres quienes padecieron demencia y depresión, ofreciéndonos su mejor versión, mientras ahora me pregunto: ¿qué tendrían en sus cabezas? Cada ser humano es único, y cada uno venimos a vivir nuestra historia, pero dependemos de las circunstancias que nos hace no ser nosotros.
Es en la cabeza/mente donde guardamos los traumas, experiencias y secretos. Somos nosotros quienes podemos enfrentar lo qué hay en nuestra cabeza.
Ayude a mi padre junto con mi familia quien sufría de depresión, hace18 anos se suicido. 7 anos atrás mi madre comenzó a sufrir demencia y tuvo que vivir conmigo y mis hermanas durante todo su proceso, en donde la cuidamos física y emocionalmente, haste el 23 de enebro del 2023 que murió. Nací artista. Las muertes de mis padres despertaron en mi la necesidad de contar y dejar plasmados mis sentimientos, en estas obras donde la salud mental es el 1er elemento. Obras llenas de color donde materializo lo que es para mi vivir contento, amando,sirviendo y agradeciendo eternamente al que nos permite estar. Poder darle forma, textura, y nombre a mis sentimientos ha sido mi mejor psiquiatra.
resilience through my eyes
Tracy Adu (She/Her)
Oil on canvas, 14 in x 18 in
The artwork is a portrait of my brother through my eyes, depicting him asleep during a hospital visit, surrounded and attached to medical devices. A hand grasping his emphasizes the support and community aspect of the experience (to include). His dim expression and slightly scrunched eyebrows convey his resilience and determination to fight through his condition. Titling the artwork "Resilience In My Eyes" reflects my mindset as a caregiver for my brother. Despite the challenges, I view my role positively, contributing to his health. This perspective helps maintain my mental health, and I aim to inspire others to see the beauty and strength in his journey.
My brother was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2017, and since then, I've been one of his primary caregivers. I accompany him to his checkups and emergency visits, acting as a mediator for our parents who aren't as fluent in English. I also manage his diet to help reduce his seizures. Despite the challenges, I'm grateful to support my brother and will continue to care for him until he can do so himself. As an artist, I find beauty in the ordinary details of everyday life. This inspiration drives me to create and share my work, helping others to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us.
Transition to Womanhood
Anonymous
Charcoal and colored pencil, 11 in x 14 in
A series of 3 drawings completed during the time I cared for my mother during her cancer treatment. I found ways to process my hope for my mother’s cancer recovery through drawing. I became a mediator between my mother and doctor, in case they did not understand her broken english. When she passed away, my artwork grew darker. It made me question if her immigration to America brought this illness upon her, as she was the first in her family to get cancer. I would have dreams of travelling through the mud holding her hand toward something bright, to find that she shared similar dreams. She believed they were messages that we were about to go on a hard journey together, and it became true. To this day, I still have those dreams of my mother, however with bright emerald eyes instead of brown. Through this experience, I became a woman.
During my high school years, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. At the time, I did not understand the weight of the situation, however I remember being very heartbroken, distant, and quiet. I took care of her and the home while she recovered from the “Red Dragon” doses for months. She fought this and beat the first round. I helped her build her strength back again over time. While my mother was diagnosed again a few years later, I felt stronger. We lived together. After months of treatments, radiation, surgery, and more, we fought the “family disease” together. We received the phone call that she was cancer free again, and a few months later, unfortunately lost her due to the doctor’s missing traces left in her lungs.
I formally learned drawing in college as a studio art minor. I was older as these skills developed, and began expressing visions and feelings I had through art. After the long days of radiation, doctor visits, and caretaking, I would draw while she slept through the night and occasional naps during the day. I still practice art today.