“Sacred Journey (West Ridge, Northwest side of Chicago, local parks)” by Denise Grossman
18’’ by 24’’
Oil and Cold Wax Medium
$1100
To answer the question, regarding the healing aspect of my work. I initially start my process with a sketch/ value study of my subject which is in tandem with prayer and intuition. However, once my art -making commence, I am keenly listening for guidance of something Greater. I can only answer this from my vantage, as retired Ordained Minister of the United Church of Christ. Art as a medium, I believe it has the capacity to heal one at a heart level. Which has the ability to facilitate self-discovery, change in one’s perspective and viewpoint in a positive sense. As retired Ordained Minister/ pastoral counselor, and Occupational Therapist I envision my art as a force for healing because, in fact, it has healed me. Therefore, if it has the capacity to heal me, why not another? Thus, at its very core creating art is a "Spiritual calling, for me. A calling that profoundly impacts my creative endeavors as an artist. Moreover, I am primarily, a self-taught artist. However, for the past five years I have had the opportunity to study art informally, online with professional pastel artist, formally at a local fine arts school, and face to face workshops with professional artist. My hope and goal, is to produce art work that captures a part of life/ nature that relates to the viewer in a deep sense that elicits thought and comfort. With that said, initially my work predominantly consisted of landscape and animals in the medium of soft pastels. Since, fall 2023, I have become attracted to drawing and painting textured surfaces, in medium of oil and cold wax, with parts of structures to depict boundaries and resistive qualities that relate to current day issues in our contemporary society. At this time, I am a member of the Oil and Cold wax Academy, Redrock Pastel Society of Nevada and hold Associate membership at the American Impressionist Society. I am inspired by the work of other artists such as Impressionist, Symbolist Odilon Redon and Tonalist George Inness. These genres inspire me to create art in ways that are insightful and spiritually guided in profound ways. Moreover, in January, 2023, I was awarded the Donatello International Fine Artists juried, Award in Florence, Italy. The following year in 2024, I received an honorable mention in still life category by Best Awards an international juried competition. Currently, I continue my daily practice of drawing and creating oil and cold wax paintings, exploring different substrates and textures indicative of this medium. At the very core of my work, is my continued call to art as a ministry, which profoundly impacts my work and overall practice of art.
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