Kelly Meiners

My artwork serves as a communication method to express emotions otherwise inaccessible because of my brain injury. Before sustaining brain and multi organ damage from COVID-19, I was a busy mom, physical therapist, college professor and academic department chair. Overnight, this virus damaged my body so severely that two years later I’m still homebound/ bedridden and unable to care for myself.  The loss of identity accompanied with a new physical and cognitive disability is overwhelming. My abstract painting helps me process and accept my new place in this world. When painting, I forget that I am disabled and am instead filled with a profound sense of peace.  An empty canvas represents infinite possibilities and opportunities, not my day to day limitations.

I create in short bursts, 7 minutes limit of focused creative energy while laying on the floor using tools to minimize the physical tremors. My typical mediums include acrylic, watercolor, oil pastels and graphite on canvas or paper.  I would describe myself as an intuitive painter that depicts harmonious chaos, such to represent my current emotions and physical challenges. I hope to portray a message of hope and joy in a world filled with uncertainty.