Denise Grossman, Visual Artist/ Painter
To answer the question, regarding the healing aspect of my work. I initially start my process with a sketch/ value study of my subject which is in tandem with prayer and intuition. However, once my art-making commences, I am keenly listening for guidance on something Greater. I can only answer this from my vantage, as a retired Ordained Minister of the United Church of Christ, Occupational therapist, Pastoral Counselor, and Yoga instructor.
Art as a medium, I believe has the capacity to heal one at a heart level. Which has the ability to facilitate self-discovery, change in one’s perspective and viewpoint in a positive sense.
As a retired person Ordained Minister, I envision my art as a force for healing because, in fact, it has healed me. Therefore, if it has the capacity to heal me, why not another? Thus, at its very core creating art is a "Spiritual calling, for me. A calling that profoundly impacts my creative endeavors as an artist. Moreover, I am basically, a self-taught artist. However, for the past five years, I have had the opportunity to study art informally, online with professional artists formally, a local fine arts school, and face to face workshops with professional artist.
My hope and goal, is to produce art work that captures a part of life/ nature that relates to the viewer in a deep sense that elicits thought and comfort. With that said, initially my work predominantly consisted of landscapes and animals in the medium of soft pastels. Just recently, I have become very attached to drawing and painting textured surfaces with parts of structures to depict boundaries and resistive qualities that relate to current-day issues in our contemporary society. At this time, I am a member of the Oil and Cold Wax Academy, Redrock Pastel Society of Nevada and hold Associate membership at the American Impressionist Society. I am inspired by the work of other artists such as Impressionist VanGogh, Symbolists such as Odilon Redon, and Tonalist George Inness. These genres inspire me to create art in ways that are insightful and spiritually guided in profound ways.
Moreover, in 2023 I was awarded the Donatello International Fine Artists Award in Florence, Italy, in 2024 I received an honorable mention in still life category by Best Awards an international juried competition. My work has been featured in four juried international art publications.
Currently, I continue my daily practice of drawing and painting exclusively in the medium of oil and cold wax exploring different substrates and textures to evoke emotional and spiritual sentiments to elicit complexities and challenges of our human condition such as isolation, etc.
At the very core of my work, is my continued call to art as a ministry, which profoundly impacts my work and practice of art.
