“Transitioning through the Pane" is an emotional and heartfelt exploration of resilience and hope. As you take in this charcoal portrait, I invite you to observe a poignant moment of introspection—a woman sitting by a window, embracing both the solace of what is known and the uncertainty of what's to come.“ Drawn from my personal experiences, processing my husband’s transition into hospice and imagining my uncertain future alone.  I chose charcoal to convey a solitary moment of deep thought and contemplation about this life altering transition.

The frail woman staring out the window, finally has a moment to rest after years of being a caregiver.  She has time to think and is deep in her thoughts.  She’s looking toward the window trying to imagine a future she cannot picture but knows she must face. She points towards the window; however, she’s grounded by the familiar comforts of home.  This piece goes much deeper than just the image; it is an intimate tale of a woman caught between two realities.  The existing reality of caring for her husband, watching the suffering and changes caused by colon cancer, all this while simultaneously being isolated during the dark days of Covid.  She is realizing that this isn’t only about his transition out of this world and the end of his pain and suffering, but it is also about her transition from being happily married to becoming a widow.  This new unimaginable reality looms just outside the hazy pane of that window.  She is afraid to face this next phase of her life and all its uncertainties alone.

"Transitioning Through the Pane" is an invitation for anyone standing at the threshold of change to find the wisdom to accept that, what was… is not what will be.  It is my deepest wish that this portrait will empower you to adjust your lens and reframe your thoughts to see past the fog and haze on the window.  I urge to you instead to focus instead on the light coming through the window – to trust and have faith that there is a new and bright future awaiting you.  Only then will you manage to release the pain of the past and fear of the future.  Believe that you have within you the courage and strength to confront the unfamiliar. and to be open to the possibility of rediscovering another beautiful, stronger, resilient version of yourself.