Courage Ablaze: Beauty and Ashes

Behind the Artwork2 Comments

In 2012, Courage Ablaze included seven-foot pillars portraying Congo’s stories of rape and images of the fierce determination of Congolese women. An eight-foot copper tree, the Flame Tree, held charred frames representing the eight million people slaughtered in Congo’s holocaust. The small pillars portrayed the courageous survivors rising up out of the ashes and rebuilding their lives.

This art, honoring Congolese rape survivors from half a world away, prompted several American visitors to confide their own rape stories. In those tender moments, the artwork helped facilitate small—but significant steps—towards healing.

What can you do to help empower the survivors in your life?

Our healing art involves you—because you matter!

Woman in Red: Natalie’s Story

Behind the Artwork

In partnership with the Go Red For Women movement, my 2010 ArtPrize work, called Woman in Red, features Natalie Ruggeri. Natalie, the model portrayed in the paintings, tells her story as a congenital heart survivor. Following heart surgery, Natalie offers this advice: “Listen to your symptoms. Don’t take things for granted. Cherish what you have.”

What are some things you can do to keep your heart healthy?

Our healing art involves you—because you matter!

An ArtPrize Artist: How It All Started

Behind the Artwork

ArtPrize ushered my 2010 paintings onto a large stage—with thousands visiting my Woman in Red collection that was created in partnership with the American Heart Association and featured at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. Through ArtPrize over the following years, my work began transitioning beyond watercolor paintings to interactive healing installations that focused on soul care—that is, unlocking the hearts of the wounded through sensitive and meaningful artwork.

What do you do to help promote soul care for others? For yourself?

Our healing art involves you—because you matter!

ArtPrize Collaboration: Go Red For Women

Behind the Artwork2 Comments

For my second year of ArtPrize, the American Heart Association invited me to tell the story of Natalie Ruggeri, a young heart patient survivor. The work called Woman in Red combined two-dimensional and three-dimensional elements with paintings and an elegant red gown displayed on a mannequin. This healing work continues to inspire and challenge viewers with beauty, health, and what really matters in life.

What experiences have you had that challenged you to rethink the value of life?

Our healing art involves you—because you matter!