In the case of Erin Maitri Robbins, participating in Open Studios has been an important milestone in her continuing recovery from a car crash two years ago that seriously impaired her “left brain” functions. Shed just quit a job as the executive director of a nonprofit at the time of the accident, and for someone who’d been able to juggle hundreds of details in her head, learning certain information processing skills all over again was arduous and frustrating.
“I was really struggling,” Robbins says. “I couldn’t follow through making a sandwich. I found myself painting as part of my healing process; it didn’t require the same enormous effort that many other everyday tasks did.”
Robbins had studied art in college, but hadn’t picked up a brush in years. When she did, she rediscovered more than just how to handle paint. “I was so awed by the power of color and beauty – I recognized that my own life force was much more attuned to beauty (than before the accident).”
For Robbins, art literally changed her life. “Its an incredible outcome that came out of a nightmare of an experience.”
Her friends were moved by her efforts as well, and encouraged her to keep painting. When she was accepted into Open Studios last year, she garnered even more positive feedback. “(Open Studios) took it beyond the scope of people I knew and give me input from the public about the quality and value of the work.
“I love the connection with people. I work in solitude day after day. Having my work be viewed and experienced by people completes the process in a very fulfilling way.”
Daily Camera • Section F
October 6, 2000
Excerted from the Friday Magazine