Ebros Large Sheila Wolk Masterpiece Prayer Angel Gatekeeper Statue 16" Tall Angel Guide Sitting On Wreath Swing Full of Pale Roses Figurine

GATEKEEPER: Before painting Gatekeeper I was preparing for a show, I had to spray six paintings to get to the gallery. I wore a professional gas mask to do the spraying, but after the job was done I realized that I had forgotten to put the filters on the mask, and so I passed out from the fumes. I didn't feel well after I awoke, so I went to sleep and the next morning I had no vision or hearing. I thought I was dead until I touched my arm and then I realized I was in severe trouble. Being rushed to hospital, I was told that I had severe toxic poisoning and it would take a long time to recuperate. Two years of no sight and hearing left me frightened and desperate. Along with drugs and swelling of the flesh, the realization hit me that I was a useless person. I remember standing in front of the Gatekeeper sketch, staring at it in vain, seeing nothing but black...but I also found myself pondering survival and how I could translate this into the Gatekeeper if my sight and hearing ever came back. I turned on my 1500 watts of light everyday and prayed to see the light. One day I saw it, a small pin dot, a speck that gave me hope. This procedure went on for months, with bits of sight returning for approximately five minutes, which eventually grew to ten, then fifteen-Oh happiness! Each minute that I could see a little, I would paint a rose, or a petal, or a vine or leaf. I felt the importance of patience and persistence. I realized that prayers could be heard and pain could yield joy. My impairment was replaced with wisdom, a lesson that I can be strong at my weakest moments. The Gatekeeper was my savior; the dripping roses, which I added later, were my prayers being answered by my angels. By the time the painting was completed, my vision was restored and my hearing (outside of a small permanent loss) was back. I learned at that point that each painting has to have great meaning and importance, no matter how long it takes... SHEILA WOLK