I found a way to silence the noise, to rebuild the parts of me previously destroyed.
I found a way to silence the confusion, Which was the real illusion.
I found a way to fan the flames of hope and light, of peace and gain.
I found a way to shed my shame, I found out that I am not insane.
Art, it is my way to stay out of my darkest place. I color, I paint I sing, I dance, I don’t give depression a fighting chance. I cling to life, I cling to hope, I share my tools to help you cope.
– JLW
Selected Works
1. It’s Your Season, 2021
8 x 10 in. archival photograph
Available at The DeBlois Gallery, Middletown, RI, Dec 9 – Dec 23, 2021
$150
Subject: winterberry shrub. This solitaire winterberry, with the late morning sun displaying it’s natural sheen – with so many shades of red, cranberry, mauve and burgundy. The stem itself a work of ark, with knobs and hair-like protrusions. I was on a walk with my dog, much to his disappointment. You see, he thought we were going to actually walk – but I kept stopping to crawl and climb and capture photographs. This winterberry was growing at Lake Winfield, in Plymouth, CT. I chose the title “It’s Your Season” because you won’t find pansies, irises and the like where we are this time of year. And I will not compare myself to them, as my season is my own. May this photo remind you that no matter what shade of human you are, no matter what season you bloom in – do it with flair!
2. Self-Portrait 2021, 2021
6 x 9 in. oil on canvas
Available at The DeBlois Gallery, Middletown, RI, Dec 9 – Dec 23, 2021
$200
My whole life I’ve felt like my world is on fire.
Just one year ago, my self-portrait was me huddled in a big black space, I called it my safe place. This 2021 self-portrait represents the version of me that I am right now – colorful, standing, powerful. This represents WHY it’s worth healing, worth taking back my power and stopping the blackness from reaching my essence, my core.
This was inspired by and created while listening to Set Fire to the Rain by Adele. I always heard the lyrics as “…but I set fire to the rain, watch it burn as I walk away…I felt something die ’cause I knew it was the last time…”
I will keep myself warm, I will stoke my own passions aflame. This is a reminder that whatever your passion is, please please pour gasoline on it and light a match, my friend.
3. Is That You, Alice?, 2021
8 x 8 in. archival photograph
Contact The DeBlois Gallery, Middletown, RI for inquiries.
$125
Subject: three sisters tree. “I can see you, can you see me? I’m stalking you from the trunk of this tree.” – The Cheshire Cat or his friend. Well, that’s what I imagine this shadowy half-face would say to me. As a photographer, you listen with your eyes. I had this unshakeable feeling that something extraordinary was in this tree, so I started clicking my shutter. I love contrast, and shadow. The original photo has the browns and greens of a New England autumn, but the bark and the water just begged me to highlight them with shadows and light. I have a friend wherever I can imagine one. What would this feline predator have to say to you?
4. Find the Color in Every Season, 2021
8 x 10 in. archival photograph
Available at The DeBlois Gallery, Middletown, RI, Dec 9 – Dec 23, 2021
$150
Subject: magnolia bud. Life has seasons. Some of them will be full of abundance, joy, laughter, productivity. Winter in New England dares us to find the leftover colors of autumn, the hidden colors of winter, and the colors of our own songs. This magnolia bud is full of texture and softness even now in this season. Little ice crystals resting or playing on top, visiting for the morning before melting away. This photo is meant to evoke self-appreciation and self-care. Just like this easy-to-miss Magnolia bud, you will bloom and you will rest.
5. Angry Pirate King, 2021
8 x 10 in. archival photograph
Available at The DeBlois Gallery, Middletown, RI, Dec 9 – Dec 23, 2021
$150
Subject: milkweed seed. This whole picture comes down to a hidden, teeny face. Like with Is That You, Alice?, I just knew I had to wait because something, or someone, was going to show itself. We can try to hide, life can blow and expose us. That is why this pirate king, as I call him due to his large black hat, has a downturned mouth and empty black eyes. He is on a flight from exposure, from being caught, from being social. Notice he has no crew? So perhaps, it is not a king after all? Who do you see?
6. The Pull of Queenly Duties, 2021
8 x 10in. archival photograph
Available at The DeBlois Gallery, Middletown, RI, Dec 9 – Dec 23, 2021
$150
Subject: winterberries and a leaf. Can you see a crown, a cape, an eye, a nose? Can you find the queen? She has The Hand of Duty pulling her away from what she would rather be doing. What would you rather be doing today?
7. Friendly Juniper Berries, 2021
10 x 8 in. archival photograph
Available at The DeBlois Gallery, Middletown, RI, Dec 9 – Dec 23, 2021
$150
Subject: juniper berries. Again, a face, a friend, a place of magic. – in a season full of muted tones, these juniper berries merrily admire their own grey-blue hue. There is one especially friendly berry so curious, she didn’t even try to hide. Let this be an eye-catching reminder to pause and look right in front of you.
Surthriving Daily 