ARTWORK DESCRIPTION
This acrylic painting on canvas is a deeply personal work, portraying my aunt at the tender age of three. Set in the mid-1940s, she is pictured feeding chickens from a Folgers coffee can on the family farm, north of Springfield. The scene captures a fleeting moment of innocence and joy, a poignant reminder of a simpler time before the complexities of life unfolded.
Her childhood was marked by challenges, beginning with her father’s struggles with alcoholism and her parents’ subsequent divorce—an uncommon and often stigmatized event for women of that era. Her mother’s remarriage brought two sisters into her life but also the disapproval of step-grandparents. The untimely death of her stepfather further strained their already difficult circumstances, leaving her mother to raise three children alone.
Despite these adversities, this little girl grew into a resilient woman, marrying and becoming a mother to four daughters. Yet, life’s battles persisted as she faced her own struggles with alcoholism, which ultimately led to physical decline and her passing at the young age of 42.
This painting not only honors her memory but also reflects the enduring legacy of her life. It serves as a testament to the strength of her family who carry forward her spirit, cherishing her memory and the hope for a better future. Through this work, I celebrate her innocence, her journey, and the indomitable will to rise above life’s hardships.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Dana Neuenschwander is an artist and educator whose work reflects resilience, creativity, and a deep connection to the Ozarks. With an A.S. in Studio Art, a BFA from Drury University, and an MLS in Art History from Fort Hays State University, Dana serves as an adjunct instructor at Ozarks Technical Community College and is represented by Lucid TLC Art Gallery and Studio in Nixa, Missouri.
A survivor of stage III cancer and living with ADHD, Dana draws from personal challenges to create vibrant, bold paintings that balance chaos and harmony. The rugged beauty of the Ozarks serves as both inspiration and sanctuary, shaping her work’s textures, forms, and colors. Her art celebrates survival, strength, and the transformative power of creativity.
As an educator, Dana encourages students to see art as a means of expression and healing. Her teaching and artistic practice are rooted in perseverance, adaptability, and a belief in art’s capacity to inspire and empower. Through her work, Dana captures the resilience of both the human spirit and the Ozarks’ landscape, offering hope and connection to all who engage with her creations.
