30" x 22"
Enamel & acrylic on watercolor paper
Original sold • limited edition prints available

“The Heim Women” is an expression that reflects a pivotal point in my life: embracing the essence of womanhood. This painting serves furthermore, as a catalyst in a reaction which eventually resulted in severance of unspoken collaborative ties with my female care givers and elders.

Sometime in 1989 (I didn’t record the month or day) . . . I remember clearly the moment this painting was created. I was happily, joyfully painting - then a telephone conversation left me stirred with anger. Usually I wouldn’t paint being so filled with frustration and anger - however - I was guided to the studio by a force greater than I. Then before my brain had any thing to say about what color to paint with - I found myself on the other side of a split second primal scream release . . . with a profound piece of art work at my feet and a new sense of giving myself permission to vent anger in a positive, safe, creative environment.

Within minutes of assimilating what the !$%^&!**!!&^! just happened, I realized that the anger had vanished and an empowered sense of self filled that space that had been occupied for so many years with resentment, guilt, blame and anger. Wow, wow, wow . . . a catharsis guided by Spirit. A gift of forgiveness to myself and the women in my family.

I thank God every time I look at this painting for one of the many opportunities along life’s way to heal thyself and to bring forth, honor and enjoy my creativity, intelligence, playfulness, sensuality and spiritual understanding of God and my life purpose.

And most importantly, thanks Mom! for that telephone call.

Brenda Heim, 1989