In this article you’ll meet three extraordinary artists — Tommy B. McDonell, Andrea Pascual and Cyndy Baran — who have faced enormously difficult challenges. These artists were selected to have their art presented in “The Spirit of Resilience” online exhibition, which we presented on this website from September 4 – November 11, 2020. When I read their statements and visited their websites, I asked them to provide more information.
As you will see, their remarkable art, lives and statements provide hope, comfort, and inspiration for us. We can learn from them how to also prevail and thrive through the healing power of art and having the right attitude.
“The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS” is an initiative of Manhattan Arts International, based in NYC, NY. We believe art has the power to heal, inspire, provoke, challenge and offer hope. We raise awareness about how art is a positive catalyst for enhancing the well-being of individuals, society and the environment. We accomplish our goals through an inspirational online art gallery, articles and online art exhibitions.
Tommy B. McDonell
When Tommy submitted her art to “The Spirit of Resilience” exhibition she shared this statement: “MS began at 43 and MS took over me at 63. Pain was tolerable but not my cognitive decline. Painting with alcohol inks, mixed media, encaustics helped me cope. I learned not only the values of light and dark but also the value of my art. I am a piece of abstract art; I have become myself.”
She adds, “Moving from NYC to NC was (and is) difficult for me. My life has greatly changed due to my MS, which now affects how I think and how I process information. Art has given me a way to be almost who I was in NYC: excited, verbal, with many, oh so many, viewpoints!”
The multi-talented artist exudes, “I have never met an art medium that I didn’t want to try. I’ve worked in watercolors, alcohol inks, acrylics, oils, encaustics, pastels and more. It wasn’t until I began to combine them with mediums such as tar gel, or glass beads that I really developed my own style.”
Tommy also donates her artwork to many groups including: Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue, A Stroke of Patriotism, and others.
Visit Tommy McDonell’s website leap4artnyc.com
Andrea Pascual
Transcendence, pastel on paper, 20” x 16”
Andrea is skilled in several mediums which include oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, inks, collage and mixed media. Along with her submissions to “The Spirit of Resilience” exhibition, Andrea shared this statement about “Transcendence”: “This soaring figure represents the enduring spirit of survival after a terrible tragedy. I created this pastel during a difficult personal experience and the kindred spirit and sentiments we shared.”
When asked for more information about how she has dealt with resilience in her life the artist shared this poignant statement, “We met in an art class and became inseparable soon thereafter. He died suddenly in my arms four years later. My spirit withered, and my heart soured. I continued in the same life drawing class for several more years, struggling to find my way out of grief. My art began to evolve. I reached into my models and their shared sensibilities. When storms formed and tears fell, I cried as well. When stars shone and smiles appeared, I brightened. As the pain subsided, my drawings became alive and able to feel, smell and hear the spirit of the forms. Lights mixed with darks, and vibrant colors returned. I was once again vulnerable to the vagaries of life. This openness is the sustenance of creative experience.”
Visit Andrea Pascual’s website andreapascual.com
Cyndy Baran
Tangled Up in Blue, acrylic on cradled board 30″ x 40″
We selected Cyndy Baran’s “Tangled Up in Blue” to be included in “The Spirit of Resilience” exhibition for her outstanding abstract works of art. Then we learned that Cyndy was nearly killed in a horrendous car accident that took the lives of two young men. She explains, “If it weren’t for that one little inch between me and the out-of-control city bus careening towards my car, I would have been trapped in that tangled pile of metal under the belly of the bus.”
When Cyndy submitted her entries to “The Spirit of Resilience” exhibition she wrote: “I had a successful career as a business professional, but after a near death experience, I decided to leave my day job and pursue my passion.” This major life-changing event led Cyndy to leave her 25+ year business career. “I began my studies at Watkins College of Art & Design in Nashville TN, graduating with an AFA in 2002. I’ve been making art ever since.”
She tells us, “I believe the body intuitively knows what it needs. If you listen to that voice, it will take you where you need to be; for me, it is making Art.” About her artistic process she adds, “By creating calm among the chaos of life, I am able to hear my own voice, and thus, have empathy for the voices of those around me.”
Visit Cyndy Baran’s website cyndybaranstudio.com
Visit our online gallery of artist members
Thank you SOOOOO much for including me in the ManhattanArts project. Have a wonderful, and safe, holiday!
Dear Cyndy, It is an honor and pleasure to include your important art and statement in this article. I know your art and words will inspire many readers. All the best to you in 2021!