take-out gallery

Take-out Gallery

In 2004, I was diagnosed with Lupus and Fibromyalgia. In addition to many other symptoms, I began to lose some motor function, especially in my hands. I could not hold steady a pencil, let alone a paintbrush.

I returned to large, easy-to-grasp toddler crayons, often holding one with both hands, and slowly I created a series of personal abstract sketches. As my health gradually improved, a few years on, I was encouraged to re-create these sketches into a series of paintings, which became known as 'Dine-In, Take-Out.' Building this body of work helped me further come to terms with the new directions my life had taken, as a result of my illness. Being forced to stop, and reconcile my past with the present, was ultimately constructive for me, and I believe my physical health has been strengthened, in part, as a result of my becoming healthier, emotionally.

holding pattern - 2012 - triptych, acrylic on canvas 12x14"
available

ping 17 - 2012 - acrylic on clipboard 6x9"
available

by your anger - 2011 - acrylic on canvas 24x18"
available

in order to heal - 2011 - acrylic on canvas 24x18"
available

by what you see - 2011 - acrylic on canvas 36x24"
available

tv dinner series: frozen; thawed; opiate - 2011 - diptych, acrylic on canvas 16x41"
all three works available

the trap - 2011 - acrylic on canvas 24x18"
available

each and every one - 2011 - acrylic on canvas 24x18"
available

sins of the fathers - 2011 - acrylic on canvas 36x24"
available

reared to anger - 2011 - 18x24"
available

your silence - 2011 - acrylic on canvas 48x24"
available

somebody to love - 2011 - acrylic on canvas 24x30"
available

dine in, take out ~ 2011 ~ acrylic on canvas 24x18"
available

artist's statement - 2011 - take-out series

if you would like to purchase prints of my paintings, please visit my print shop
< with pixels.com, or send me a message with jenraven@gmail.com .