I discovered expressionist printmaking in the late 1990s, which made my creative energy take flight. I was drawn to the Expressionist movement (expressing subjective emotions, inner experiences, and spiritual themes), Which began in the early 20th century because it reflected how I wanted to express myself through my art.

My Inspiration

I was inspired by Expressionist artists like Van Gogh, Emil Nolde, and Edvard Munch, as well as the German Expressionist printmakers like Käthe Kollwitz and Albrecht Dürer. Their images were powerful, raw, and unleashed. 

Taking this newfound discovery to heart, I enrolled in a printmaking course at Broward College. With inspiration from my earlier expressionist acrylic paintings on Inner Child work, I transitioned to printmaking using linoleum to carve my images and, later, woodcut prints.

The book

Subsequently, I entered a handmade book competition sponsored by the Broward County Central Library while at Broward Community College. My expressionist book, “Inside Myself,” became part of the permanent collection of rare books in the central Fort Lauderdale Library.

Do you know why these particular images? Why expressionism.?

Life has a funny way of handing out a lot of trouble to everyone. I don’t think anyone is immune to the tragic comedy of life. As the Buddhists say, it is Samsara, the endless cycle of birth and rebirth into suffering. And I had my share as a child. The wounds were deep and gaping. I became my therapist through my expressionist art. It lifted an enormous burden from my shoulders; I could breathe again. 

First, my inner child’s work became a powerful expression of my pain, and second, it touched the hearts of many of my artwork collectors. I sold all my paintings and many of the original prints. So many could relate to my experiences; I was not alone.

The blog

Moreover, this blog is about growing older, growing wiser, and family. In addition, it pertains to all living beings in need of compassion and healing. Therefore, I dedicate this post to you, to her, and him. All of us.

Buddhist prayer: May you be happy, may you be free from suffering, may you have equanimity and peace.