-sue fitzmaurice
A LITTLE PERSONAL
VEERING OFF THE PATH IS NOT AN OPTION
SHATTERED GLASS WOOD ILLUSION LIFE'S TEXTURES
A GIFT
Not in my teens or throughout my twenties was painting ever even a thought. Creating in this way I consider to be a gift because one night I went to bed and the next day I could paint. Not only could I paint, but in detail.
THE BEGINNING
After exiting the military a friend saw my depression and signed me up for an art class. The first assignment was to translate our emotions into a painting. My first painting shown right I called, My Issues. That was my last art class. I began painting full time for nearly ten tears.
MY ISSUES
Only a few years ago did I realize I vaguely remembered seeing my father sketching. Once I had this memory I immediately thought... I wish this was a gift I received from my mom.
Put simply, this gift reminds me of my father, which are thoughts I'd rather remain dormant.
But, when thoughts aren't present while creating it provides me the feeling of rejuvenation that is indescribable.
THIS GIFT WAS PURPOSEFUL
Once I started creating I couldn't stop and never questioned why or where this gift came. What I did realize was somehow I began to always be at the right place at the right time.
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Where I was being invited to exhibit, the guests who were commissioning, the guests who were attending my exhibitions and purchasing I still understood this gift was something I shouldn't take lightly..
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Being so thankful for this gift every exhibit was connected to giving back. I'd say yes to any organization supporting domestic violence or youth empowerment and unknowingly end up meeting some amazing people from all platforms of life.
My Issues, acrylic, chalk and pencil on cold press
People placed in your path, Angela Bassett
MY PATH TODAY & WHY
Every experience whether good bad or in between has come together full circle for a path that I had no say in.
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At an early age we escaped from my father out of a window at 3:47am. What I do remember is after all the things he had done the court system gave him custody of me every other weekend until it became all to clear these rights had to be clearly taken.
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The journey of becoming an avid supporter of domestic violence victims, survivors and their support systems as well as community programs geared towards youth development and community awareness is a personal passion.
Although the Silence No More Movement became incorporated on January 6 of 2023 it began decades ago. During a SNMM ceremony the words of recipient Women Giving Back Director Nicole Morris, "everybody has an opportunity to help and it can be just by being silent no more". It was at that moment, Lisa finally understood it was finally time.