Celebration

Artist: Jean Chiang

Older Adult Site: Sirovich Center for Balanced Living

Class: Individual Submission

Material: Mixed Media

Artist Statement: “Celebration was created in 2022 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of my first heart surgery in April 2012 and the 2nd anniversary of my second heart surgery in February 2020. One’s clenched fist is the size of one’s heart. I painted my fist red and covered it with tracing paper. Each print is original and unique. I used mixed media, paint, pencil, and rice paper to work on the triptych. I used my thumbprint and black paint to suggest the center, and the “poppy flowers” blossomed. The poppy flower is a symbol of remembrance. I continue to deal with lupus but am thankful and grateful that I may be creative and have all my senses intact and uncompromised. I take nothing for granted. I am still extremely excited by colors, textures, forms, designs, and concepts. I celebrate life and survival!”