MaryBeth Printz, United States

Growing up in an abusive family in a small rural West Virginia town was a breeding ground for rebellion and self-doubt. My childhood escape was the outdoors, the love of pets, and the love of art. As a young woman, I geographically escaped to Alaska and became a middle school Spanish teacher. Returning to art after retirement, a university painting class professor challenged me to ‘tell stories’ (my usual inclination was to paint from life or copy Old Masters). Initially terrified, it totally changed the course of my work. I now depict honest, personal narratives that especially relate to the lives of women. Creating art has given me a sense of accomplishment, self-discovery, and an attempt at healing. It nurtures an acceptance of life’s difficulties for myself, and I hope for the viewer.