Valerie J. Black
When I was told by a very respected artists in Philadelphia, that I had
a natural talent in expressing my art, and I was asked to display my works
in an art show at the Da Vince Art Alliance Studio, I can truly say that the
Essences of Why God had allowed me to live through that accident became
clear to me.
Valerie J. Black |
It has been 12 years since the turning point of my life, an event that
was at once the most tragic and uplifting I have ever experienced. A car
accident that shattered my body, severed my left arm, and forced me to
reevaluate my entire way of living. It is said that through adversity comes
strength and character. All I know, is that my sprit has soared ever since
that day. The doctors reattached my arm and said that if I didn��t use my
arms and hands everyday, I would lose the use of them. I could not sleep and
had unbearable pain, but I had a vision and a life-affirming transformation.
I saw myself (a woman who had no formal training), as an artist and I
envisioned, very specifically, the types of art that I later brought to
life. Dolls of all shapes a sizes, from many types of materials, some
created and some from found objects.
My meditation has been, for several years, "life is a journey, not a
destination." On my journey I have been blessed to be a part of the Dumpster
Divers, who share the love of recycled materials, and have freely shared
their knowledge with me. It has been a great honor for me to have been
associated with all the wonderful artists in the group, who I now consider
to be my dearest friends.
