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.

"Leah"

"French Connection"

"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.

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​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.