Brian Berman: Art Heals the Pain of Separation

The last 7 months have been emotionally challenging. My son and his wife separated, and we are blocked from visitation with our grandchildren. This pain led me to resign as OSA president as the year ended, find a counselor, and take a Reduction Woodcut workshop with Linda Taylor. I wanted to begin focusing on my love for my granddaughter. Ella, who turned 4 in November.

Working on carving away the areas to print color in Linda's class was a gift as she had everything I needed to create and express my love for Ella.

I noticed that there were registration issues, and Linda suggested that I could correct them as best I could with colored pencils. I sent my images off to one of my long-time art mentors, and he said that the registration issues were a metaphor for the family breakup, as it changed the beauty and function of the family. This perspective was helpful for me to feel my connection with the healing power of art.

Next, I began to look into 3D printing models of my grandchildren. This began a learning curve, and I was so very happy with the result of my Ella. Turning a 2D photo into a 3D printed model was a huge discovery, as my art medium is mostly identified as sculpture.

Next up was to focus on printing my grandson, Izzy, who turns 6 in April.

So then I focused on our 11 month granddaughter Suraya. We had one visit with her and the separation and alienation is heartbreaking for my family. I worked on a couple of models and 3D printed models.

So, I then printed a self portrait, and I was happy to bring my 3D models together as a healing of the separation.

And here's a photo of us all together.

May there be peace and healing, as I heal myself and find my inner peace. Art has helped me overcome the family separation, and I'm confident that we will be together again this year. When is unknown, but as I make art for healing, I know that this is the best I can do.

Thank you for reading my blog. My studio will be open for the March 14th OSA Second Saturday Mini Tour here in Meiners Oaks, and the Arbolada. I also open my studio by appointment, so reach out to me if you want to see my current body of work.