Meet Artistry by Dr. Portia
Expressing the Human Spirit!
If I had to use a classical label from the various schools and art movements to describe my work. It would be Abstract Expressionism. Abstract expressionism in the sense of capturing the human experience (thoughts, feelings, beliefs) to grow, to transcend the constraints, barriers of society.
The Process of Becoming!
I describe my work as Abstract Expressionism, though at its heart my work is an exploration of the human experience. The subject of my paintings is the inner landscape of humanity—our thoughts, emotions, beliefs, struggles, resilience, and our enduring capacity to grow beyond the limitations imposed by circumstance, trauma, and society. For more than twenty years as a clinical psychologist, I have had the extraordinary privilege of sitting with people in moments of profound vulnerability. I have listened to stories of suffering and hope, witnessed countless journeys of healing, and observed the remarkable process through which individuals reclaim their lives. My work is equally informed by my own lifelong journey of growth, self-reflection, and transformation.
I am continually fascinated by what enters the room when two human beings meet with authenticity and vulnerability. In that sacred space, pain is acknowledged, identities are examined, old narratives are challenged, and healing begins. Those invisible psychological and emotional processes become visible in my paintings through color, movement, texture, and form.
As an educator preparing future clinical psychologists, I have also witnessed another remarkable transformation. My students arrive carrying their own histories, strengths, wounds, cultural identities, and assumptions. Their journey toward becoming ethical and compassionate psychologists requires not only mastering theory and technique; but engaging deeply with themselves. My artwork reflects this process of becoming—of embracing one's humanity while striving toward wholeness.
The Human Experience
My depiction of the human experience is influenced by my 20 plus years as a clinical psychologist listening to the stories, observing the journeys, and processes of others. But also, being a-tune to my own journey and process of growth and change through this work. All the stuff that comes into the room when two humans sit in complete vulnerability: attempting to re-shift the impact of life on their being. As an educator and clinical psychologist, the myriad of experiences the students bring to the table must be addressed in their quest to become a healed clinical psychologist fully aware of their pain, their weaknesses, as well as strengths, and the cultural lens they operate from. I am drawn to the raw essence of these experiences.