Outside the Lines

Margaret Van der Pant

Self Portrait
acrylic and mixed media

Emotionally, perceptually, psychologically making Art has always been a vehicle for me to access the world. This process consists of seizing a moment in time, in our ever-changing panorama of visual images – gardens, fields, lakes, and portraits have been constant themes since the mid-eighties. Gradually mobility became an issue, from a limp: time I stopped teaching; to having to wear a half brace, and now a full brace on my left leg. Since February 2000, mobility has improved with the use of a scooter.

This winter, I am changing my themes to “Interior-scapes”. I am partially crippled physically. I am also struggling to support my medical needs on a fixed pension. One third of this is left to forage for food and other necessities – My work correspondingly got smaller. However, to produce art in some form is vital, in spite of seemingly insurmountable difficulties. The only way seems to me is to withdraw in order to survive a world that doesn’t understand poverty, hardship. Making art is a life force for me.

Rose L. Williams