Right Side up and Forward

Born into a deeply dysfunctional southern family and abandoned by her mother at birth, Rawlings more or less raised herself, suffered through a kidnapping at age twelve, and underwent numerous additional isolating experiences. None the less, she became a self-reliant artist who survived untouched and intact rather than victimized. In 1959, Rawlings studied art in the classical tradition in Germany as well as Renaissance techniques in painting. Later in Italy, she embarked on master studies in tempera, fresco, Etruscan pottery and the lost wax method in jewelry. In 1969, she competed university studies in fine art and art history with minors in religion and Eastern philosophy. She also began exhibiting in galleries In 1972 she had her first one-person show and began exhibiting at the Virginia Miller galleries in Miami. A well-known artist whose paintings have been displayed in such places as the Miami Art Museum, Art Basel and the Louvre in Paris.

I chose this title because my world has been "Upside Down & Backwards" for most of my life. I feel I have finally gotten it altogether, as much as I am able, and at last I can smell the roses. I am right side up and moving forward. Finally I am on a steady path for me. I am off the roller coaster ride and my life has become much less stressful. My path hasn't been an "easy street." I had to try harder, move a little faster and learn more about the world than most. Not complaining, it has been a challenge and in many ways it is a good thing. Life has made me who I am and my art what it is. Life gave me many opportunities and I tried to use them the best way I could. One such opportunity I really missed because I didn't recognize it at the time. I bought a large collage by Christo, when he was unknown, from Virginia Miller for $750. I thought he was great. Too bad I didn't trust my instincts at that time because I gave it back feeling I had been extravagant and couldn't afford it. Big mistake. That could have been my retirement. I thought I had forgotten about this incident but now and then it still pops up.