Tobi C. Heekin
In 2009, my daughter and I were in a serious car accident. Fortunately, my daughter was not injured, but I sustained a spinal cord injury that resulted in paralysis from the waist down. I spent the next 18 months tackling rehabilitation at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in order to regain strength and mobility, and continued therapy as an outpatient. I participated in the art therapy program with the assumption that it would improve my dexterity. However, I quickly discovered, it helped with much more. Creating art enabled me to express my emotions and feelings on paper — whether joyful, sad, frustrated or courageous. It released a creative monster I never knew lived inside of me. Now, I paint not just because I want to, but because I need it. I try to carve out an hour every day to escape to my studio and paint. It’s definitely my happy space, and a nice way to reset, relax and escape.
Better Together 19” x 15” (framed)
Daisy Chain 25.25” x 21.25” (framed)
Our Bond 21.25”x 21.25” (framed)
WAVES II 34.5” x 25.75” (framed)
The Music In Me 23.25” x 29.25” (framed)
The Choir Girls 25.75” x 25.75” (framed)
Life’s A Party 25.25” x 37.25” (framed)
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