I don't really know anything about Wesley Kilmer and his work, but when I bumped into his painting at the Weisman last weekend, I stopped dead in my tracks. Normally this large canvas would not be something of interest. However, I've been really sick lately, that is sick, for me. I have had this bad cold and respiratory cough sinus thing going on and I have felt alive, but not living, connected or caring about much. I've stayed indoors. It's been hard to think and difficult to hear. Sleep came easy, but with strange dreams. I became deeply angered during this time too, which is not status quo for me. Something snapped when Christmas plans changed due to a cancelled visit with my nephew (!!no fault of his!!). This painting honestly captured how I'd been feeling. I'd never considered a work of art in this manner. I know there is a need for art therapy in the world today, and psychologists, in search of insight, continue to riddle their subjects with ink blots. The fact that I could link this Kilmer to a self-portrait is admittedly disturbing, but was somewhat comforting too. Is this really how I am feeling? No wonder I'm a mess! Anyway, it served as some inspiration to take a deeper look into healing, because I don't want to look like this any more. I was hoping the artist wasn't really feeling like me, either. Oranges, grapefruit, water, tea, vegetable soup, rest and mental relaxation have helped .. and a good dose of Brothers & Sisters too. Art heals (and so does writing!), even if you don't want to see what you really look like.
