Name
Jamie Gerkin

Age Group (If you are a caregiver/family member please check Caregiver/Family Member)
Caregiver/Family Member

Category
Drawing/Painting/Printmaking/Chalk Art

Artist Statement (include type of art, techniques & materials used, what it means to you)
This is acrylic painting on a 9 x 12 canvas. I have experienced a lot of loss in my life - ten family members over the course of two years. One of the most difficult being my first husband to a fast moving cancerous brain tumor. Painting helps me deal with negative thoughts and helps me convey emotions that I have difficulty expressing otherwise. This particular piece was inspired by my horse Ruby who died just before Christmas this past year. She always had such a kind eye and often listened when I needed to talk. My art is normally very colorful, but for this piece I chose to work in shades of black, white, and gray to allow the viewer to focus on how the painting makes them feel.

Bio (include your age, tumor type and date of diagnosis)
I’m a 46 year old female. My first husband was diagnosed with GBM brain tumor at the end of September of 2006 - and died early January 2007 - he was 33.