Michel Rae Varisco: "Neheh" Time Symbols

APRIL 22 - MAY 13 • OPENING RECEPTION SATURDAY APRIL 22 FROM 6 TO 8 PM • GALLERY TALKS AT 7
WATCH THE MOVIE "GLEASON" WITH MICHEL SUNDAY APRIL 23 AT 2 PM. Q&A TO FOLLOW.
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"Leah"
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"French Connection"
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"Loop"
I’ve always liked my brain occupied, not with current events or poetry, but with more mundane distractions, like busy work. In 2011, my husband, Steve Gleason was diagnosed with ALS, a paralyzing terminal illness with a 2-5 year life expectancy. We were both 34. I became consumed with fear, anxiety, heartbreak, resentment and relentless grief. The idea of tomorrow frightened and depressed me. One day I came across an old sketchpad with a single drawing on it (One). I brought it, along with some sharp colored pencils, to the hospital during a particularly worrisome surgery. For the first time in years, I was able to sit in one place for hours and feel contentment and peace. My drawings started to change into things I didn’t fully understand. Forms and symbols were creating a new language through which I could express things I never could verbally. Experiencing a still mind was exhilarating. I still experience that same exuberance every time someone buys a print. This art has given me something new to love. It has brought back some of the light I lost. I feel lucky that I can share it with my family, friends and now, strangers. Besides being my son Rivers' mom, my artwork is the thing I'm most proud of right now.  — MRV
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​Check out michelraevarisco.com for more information on the artist and additional samples of her work.
​WATCH THE MOVIE: What started as a video diary from Steve to their son became the Amazon Productions movie Gleason, launched at Sundance last year. ​ Click the icon to view the official trailer.