Clarita. From the moment I met her I knew she was no wallflower at Gift of Love. Really, there are no true wallflowers at Gift of Love; every woman there has a story and personality all her own. But Clarita had this colorful way about her unlike the others.
Clarita was one of the first residents at Gift of Love when the shelter transitioned from its original purpose (a home for dying men with HIV/AIDS) to what it is today: a home for elderly women in need, under the care of the Missionaries of Charity. She had been battling cancer for the past several years, and would often tell visitors that she was a “living miracle”. You would never expect to learn of Clarita’s history of pain and poor diagnoses by her vibrant sense of humor, self-confidence, and impromptu dance moves...only surpassed by her unshakable trust in God. She knew of God’s deep love and providence in her life, which illuminated her cancer journey, and her reflections around some difficult childhood memories.
This woodcut began with a simple oil pastel drawing from a portrait session with Clarita. While transferring the drawing to the woodblock and carving, I learned that Clarita had passed away from complications during surgery. The funeral service followed shortly after, and I was not sure if I should continue with the woodcut. Yet Clarita’s life, her story, even just the mere fact that she existed was enough to be memorialized. With every carved line and every step in the printing process I attempted to reveal the beauty of Clarita’s life; a life otherwise hidden from the world. A life marked with emotional hardship and physical suffering, but even more deeply by love, joy, and faithfulness to God.
As a way of honoring Clarita’s last years at Gift of Love, along with the other women who live hidden lives dedicated to God, these woodcut prints will be sold to support the Gift of Love community. These will be hand-printed in my studio and a portion of the proceeds will be given to the community where Clarita received the strength to persevere from Christ in the sacraments, alongside the sisters who devote their lives to serving Christ in the poor. Please message me for more information if you’re interested in purchasing one of these woodcuts.
