Art from our previous competitions

My grandmother died today. She had been in and out of hospitals for the past few months and we all knew it was coming. She hated being in the hospital, "They're all full of sick people; it's depressing" she said. It was my grandmother's time to go, and I hope she is in a better place.

There is some truth to what she said though. Hospitals can be sterile, cold and depressing. Not everyone goes there to die though. With the advent of modern technology and medical science, we are keeping people alive and healthy after they have been diagnosed with horrible diseases.

Going into the hospital should be a healing experience, where you are filled with hope and experience a renewed optimism that enables you to continue to fight!

There are many things that have been shown to improve the mood, outlook and overall health of a patient. I tried to evoke many of these healing sentiments through this piece.

I used a meditating pembroke welsh corgi as the subject. Pets are known to bring positive and healing energy. My corgi has brought me strength and peace. My mother breeds "Canine Companions" aka assistance dogs for people with disabilities. I have seen first hand the healing quality that dogs can have. I remember one patient with autism, who came out of his shell and was more communicative and interactive after spending some time with his assistance dog.

I used the idea of meditation in this work, because meditation is a personal and spiritual way to center yourself and focus on positive healing energy. The blue rays and white dots in the background further emphasize the spiritual and uplifting quality of this work. In the months before my grandmother passed, I was able to find my inner strength through meditation and yoga.

One last note about the work is the color palette I chose is vibrant and alive. I find these colors energizing and I hope they will have the same effect on patients who are feeling down, depressed and maybe a little afraid.

If I don't win this contest, at the very least I am pleased that I was able to channel my energy to produce a piece that could one day bring job, optimism and serenity to someone visiting the hospital. I miss my grandma dearly and I dedicate this work in loving memory of her life.