Description

Past and present diptych painting of someone who has experienced a stroke surrounded by the hands of caregivers, loved ones, community and themselves. A variety of hands are positioned to show acts of care and therapy.

About the Process

This painting explores the emotions of a person who has experienced a stroke prior to and post-stroke and the support network surrounding them. The complex mixture of feelings of gratitude for caregivers and frustration with the loss of autonomy, and the challenges involved with struggling to regain a level of functioning previously taken for granted. Ultimately, the inspiration for the work is about the hope of those recovering from a stroke. It honors the sorrows and triumphs along the path to recovery. I also wanted to convey appreciation for the perseverance of those after stroke, as well as that of their support network.

Meet the Team

Artist:
Tara Sharpe

Arizona resident and graduate of Dreyfoos School of the Arts in Florida, Tara Sharpe creates powerfully captivating figurative paintings that empower viewers to explore the gamut of emotional experience. Her work blends the vibrant, sun-soaked intensity of the Sonoran Desert tempered by serene, undulating forms inspired by the Gold Coast, creating a dynamic visual experience. Imbued with emotional depth, her art resonates with themes of transformation and transcendence.

Researcher:
Pamela Rogers Bosch

Pamela Rogers Bosch, PT, DPT, PhD is a Professor at Northern Arizona University. She earned her PhD in Exercise Physiology from Arizona State University. Dr. Bosch has research expertise in adult neurorehabilitation, specifically with adults post-stroke. Her focus is on optimizing physical function and community reintegration, while reducing subsequent stroke risk.