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In the Valley of the Shadow: Depicting Dementia
 

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In the Valley of the Shadow: Depicting Dementia
Paintings reflecting a journey through Alzheimer's Disease

Posted by Anita Lehman /
3/20/2017
Page Image
Painting with words from Psalm 23, Valley of the Shadow of Death
Image Caption
Valley​ of the Shadow​, resonates with families on the journey with dementia ​
Opening paragraph
Anita Lehman lives in Bluffton, Ohio. She taught elementary art in the public school system. Since retirement, she has continued work in her art studio.​​

Page Content
        
I created a series of paintings beginning in late 2014 as a way to reflect on and respond to my brother-in-law’s experience with early onset Alzheimer’s disease. My brother-in law, his family and their friends, were several years into this journey when I began these paintings. They continue to support him as the disease progresses. ​

I’ve had a number of years now to think about the disease and its impact on our extended family.  When we first became aware of his diagnosis, it seemed frivolous to paint  anything other than dark, despairing images. As I worked, and as time passed, I framed questions to help me explore and create something beyond darkness….

"If the notes are muddled and fading, can the song still be found?"
“If we were raised on the grid, how do we find our way when the markers disappear?”

The original 12 paintings include images of fractured instruments and fragments of hymns.  The theme of these images reflect the passion for music within our family.  Later paintings in the series were in response to expressionistic line drawings done by my brother-in-law during his experience with the disease. 

My paintings have generated conversation with others. I have become aware that the experience of having a loved one with this Alzheimer's is both individual and universal.  I am grateful for the ways my visual exploration connects me to others on this journey.    
​


                    Can the Song Still be Found?



                         Raised on the Grid




                        Searching for the Grid




                        Shifting Fault Lines




                                               Making the Mark I



                             Making the Mark II




​

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