The joy of painting
‘Society needs artists’, said Pope St John Paul II in 1999, in his Letter to Artists. We are all uplifted by a beautiful painting, piece of music or poem. Art is important for artists too. For Eppie Blackwell, painting took on a particularly important dimension when she suddenly found herself the full-time carer for her severely disabled husband.
Eppie and Mark Blackwell
After her husband Mark became disabled in 2016 Eppie was no longer able to join in some of the cultural activities at Hillcrest Family Centre, so she decided to bring the spirit of Hillcrest into her home. ‘I realised that I would have to do something in my home, as getting out is not easy,’ says Eppie. ‘But I wanted it to be something more than having friends for coffee or lunch. I really enjoy painting and I have a big enough space in my kitchen/dining area, so I decided to invite other ladies who enjoy painting to join me on a regular basis.’
Space and a pleasant atmosphere
Eppie’s group started off with two women from her local church and it has grown from there. Now up to eight people come to her house on a Friday afternoon for a couple of hours. They bring their own art materials. ‘I just provide the space and a pleasant atmosphere,’ says Eppie.
‘All artists experience the unbridgeable gap which lies between the work of their hands, however successful it may be, and the dazzling perfection of the beauty glimpsed in the ardour of the creative moment.’ Thus said John Paul II, whose Letter to Artists has been an inspiration to Eppie over the years.
‘God’s beauty is reflected very often in painting,’ says Eppie. ‘Artists have a responsibility to bring out the beauty in the creation that’s around us. I often reread John Paul II’s Letter to Artists. I pick out a few things, try to remember them and internalise what he said. What he said was very beautiful.’
Healing
Painting is important for Eppie in a particular way. ‘My art has been very healing for me. Because of Mark’s illness, my life changed overnight and I faced a lot of challenges. I realise that when I paint I am in another world. I’m totally absorbed. And I find inspiration to do different kinds of painting.’
The artists who meet in Eppie’s home enjoy spending time together. ‘I’m so happy to be in Eppie’s art club,’ says Mo. ‘I feel it helps to learn from the others in the group. It’s relaxing and takes your mind off everyday things.’ Another member says, ‘Eppie’s club is small and friendly. We offer each other support in our artwork and in life.’ And Eppie explains, ‘There’s nothing new about artists gathering together to exchange ideas, critique each other’s work and offer support. That’s how new movements in art have begun.’
Pax Artists
Eppie and two other artists from her group have launched Pax Artists. The inspiration for this was to promote the careers of talented female artists, who share core values. Founder member Suzanne says, ‘Though each artist has her own style, each conversation with the canvas is always from the heart. Pax Artists seek to free art from a political or negative agenda.’ Pax Artists recently held their first exhibition.
