“…but a sword” Art, Icons and Medical Advocacy

a presentation by Regina Holliday

Writing on a walland creating my own Icon

What is an Icon?

Is it a familiar symbolthat embraces?

Is the face an Icon? Is this the symbol of our brand?

The image that defines us.

Some of us hide our pain behind

a smile.Some of us do not.

Where does one turn to depict pain, sorrow or smiles?

Where is the visual scriptfor the caregiver?

The pain of the provider

“Regina why do you always paint the patients in blue?”

Do we need Icons?

With Gold for the spirit,Red for the divine life,Blue for human life, White the pure essence of God.

White the pure essence of God.

What can an artist do?

When she sees too much pain?

Should she be quiet?

Should she talk through pictures?

“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” Matthew 10:45

The painting 73 cents. The Doctor

Is this a a study in symbolism,with an animal for sacrifice?

Or is it a picture puzzle that names the man who broke our hearts.

How can we help with Denial? How can we talk about death?

Where are the faces in the card isle?

Why can’t we ask Hallmarkto make hospice cards?

Would that help us talk about end of life?

Anger

What if we could see costsand weigh our choices?

Bargaining

How many books must be written, before we replace never enough

with Never Again?

Depression

Hold me. Help me.In your arms or in your status line.

Acceptance

Welcome to the new normal.

209 unique Walkers have joined the Walking Gallery wearing 231 jackets.

They are walking here today. That is proactive survivorship.That is medical advocacy. That is changing the world one back at a time.

Technology and design should be the wind at your back, not your

face