In January 2020 I found out that my sweet youngest daughter was struggling with anorexia. This began a six month battle for her life against a disease I learned to call “E.D.” (Short for Eating Disorder) During this time I wasn’t able to work often on my art and this was the only piece I completed. My daughter was obviously on my mind throughout the process and when I pulled it out of the kiln in April, I immediately knew this dancing lady was her. It had captured her story of struggle, despair, hope and victory upon it.
Looking at the base of the piece, the darkness and clusters of crystals packed tightly together represent E.D. and his hold he had over her. This was the day I brought Kaylee to the DMFC for evaluation and discovered how truly lost and in a dark place she was. As the eyes travel up the piece, her journey to recovery it represented. The crystals begin to fall off to the side and tumble away as clarity enters her mind again. The colors lighten as if swimming to the surface of a dark, deep ocean. The top represents her victory over ED. Kaylee emerging with light and strength, she breaks free of his grasp, ready to embrace her life again.
Upon completion I pondered on a title that would summarize this journey. Only one phrase was truly fitting:
"Mind Over Body"
This piece is dedicated to three groups
My daughter for not giving up and learning how to stop
listening to stupid E.D.
All the girls and boys who suffer and fight as she has.
You can break free!
And especially the incredible people who have dedicated their
lives to helping her find her way.
I will forever be grateful to you for saving her life.
This piece is on display and can be viewed at
Mind Over Body Eating Disorder Treatment Center
in Palm Desert, CA
