About the Artist - Maria-Lana Queen
I am a native Washingtonian known to many as having a zest for life and a passion for style and fashion as a runway model. As a model, it never occurred to me to consider embarking upon any activity, such as painting, that would interfere with my ability to maintain my hands for my modeling work. On 12/28/03 a traumatic experience occurred in my life that would change me forever. Here's my story.
"On December 25, 2003 a friend gave me a Christmas gift consisting of oil paints, paint brushes, and canvases. I said, "Oh, what a "cute" gift". However, knowing the kind of person that I am, the fact that I had no desire to paint, or any formal education in art, made me look at the gift set and think "Nice, but I'll never use such a gift". I went home and placed the gift on the floor - still in the torn Christmas wrapping - with other unique Christmas gifts. Three days later, on December 28, 2003, my older brother, who was also my best friend, died suddenly. I was traumatized! Not being prepared for his death, I was also not prepared for what was to lie ahead of me. The pain of losing him was quite devastating. I sank into a state of depression. I packed my bags for a retreat to deal with this loss. Upon packing, somehow I was led to this bag of paint, brushes, and canvas - the Christmas gift. I remember thinking that I needed to get my life back on track, so perhaps I could paint while I was on retreat to relieve my sadness. Little did I know that painting would become my therapy to deal with my loss. I painted palm trees, the sun setting, the ocean, and everything I could, just to keep my mind occupied. I actually began to enjoy it! Before I knew it, I found myself not wanting to stop painting. I would paint all night then wake up in the morning and rush to see my artwork. Wow, in trying to work through a traumatic experience with a Christmas gift from a friend, I was suddenly introduced to a new passion . . . art. Who would have ever thought that a rather curious Christmas gift and the death of my brother would lead me on what has become a spiritual journey through painting. Interestingly, my brother loved to paint houses. I know that whenever I paint, my brother's presence is there and I feel connected to him. That makes me happy. Through painting, I have found a way to transform my sorrow for his death into a celebration of his life. I have found peace. It is for that reason, that I dedicate my paintings to my brother, Gerard "Fatman" Queen.
Thank you, Marva for that curious Christmas gift of art supplies! You have opened my eyes to life through the art of painting!