Living Between
This piece represents perspective in life and the reality of the unknown. This painting came to life shortly after learning that the lung disease in her right lung was terminal, if she chose to quit fighting. She decided, instead of giving up, to have surgery to remove her entire right lung. This decision and difficult recovery ultimately saved her life.
Her entire right lung was riddled with disease, represented by the purple flowers or "alveoli" of my lung and the black flowers represent the dead, or non-ventilating, alveoli. The entire right lung displayed as earthly, later came to represent the removal and non-existence of that lung, along with the remaining life and beauty of her left lung.
"We live in an enormous gray shadow, where nothing is neither black nor white. There is no light at the end of the tunnel. No diagnosis at the end of the day. No cure for the end of time. There is simply life and death, and how we decide to live between them."
About the Artist, Brittany Edwards
Brittany Edwards is an undergraduate student at the University of the Incarnate Word with a bachelor's degree in psychology who will be matriculating into a Doctor of Physical Therapy program in Fall 2023. She has found art to be a beautiful passion of self-reflection and growth during the many difficult times in her life when faced with the inevitable challenges of humanity.
Interview with the Artist
What impacts do you think art can have on society?
Art impacts society in that it allows humanity to connect on the most fundamental foundations of human emotion and experience. We all experience life in various perspectives and art is a prime example of our ability to perceive a window of expression and allow ourselves to process it in a unique way. This impact is monumental.
What is the main message you would like others to take from your pieces?
The takeaway of my piece, Living Between, is that life must go on and it is your choice whether you write that narration in a way that holds you back or propels you forward. We live in an enormous gray shadow, where nothing is neither black nor white. There is no light at the end of the tunnel. No diagnosis at the end of the day. No cure for the end of time. There is simply life and death and how we decide to live between them. So go all in, in all that you do and do not fall short because you are made to live big.
How has your artistic style changed over the years? Do you follow current trends or follow different themes?
My artistic style has changed significantly over the years, in that it has become more authentic and meaningful. I often follow themes of life and perspective and allow my artistic style to express human emotion as it is experienced.
What does art mean to you?
Art to me is authenticity and human experience. It allows me to reflect on my life and the lives around me and learn to continue to grow through hardship and flourish in joy.