Sweet Songs of the Guardian Spirits
“Sweet Songs of the Guardian Spirits”, an acrylic painting on 36″x48″ canvas, was created to celebrate a poem by Paul Laurence Dunbar about his mentor, Fred Douglass and the “guardian spirits”, our ancestors (represented here as birds). The person, the scene and the birds are all native to my home state of Ohio, where I have experienced much trauma but also, much healing and growth. This painting also symbolizes the decriminalization of the Black man, as he sits and enjoys nature, unharmed and unaffected by anything else that may be going on around him.
The Spectrum of Nina Simone
The image called “The Spectrum of Nina Simone” is an acrylic 24″x24″ painting on canvas. Not only was she an unmatched pianist and innovative musician, but a fierce advocate for her people. So much so, that it led to her eventual diagnosis of bipolar disorder. As a Black woman who was diagnosed 2 years ago at age 37 with c-ptsd and major depressive disorder, to say I have been on a massive healing journey is an understatement. I went from being dormant in my craft to having drawn and painted over 2 dozen works as well as some innovative crochet designs (I’m also an established fiber artist). She and I have both hit major crossroads in our lives trying to be our unique selves in a cruel world. But I’m so glad our legacies and works continue to press on.
Afro Inspo
“Afro Inspo” is hair as a political statement. Nuff said. The unique take on it, however, is the style I innovated called “acrylic squared” (patent pending). It is my example of “breaking the canvas” in order to achieve the idea of rebellion in the name of transformative healing.
Sacred Warrior
“Sacred Warrior” is a 4’x6′ oil painting of my youngest child, Zavier. He may be the youngest, but he is no pushover at all; a complete force to be reckoned with and someone who doesn’t allow his young age to get in the way of his already accumulated successes. I am happy to say that this piece, along with two other 4’x6′ paintings of my children, were a major part of my healing journey in a new body of work I established this year called “From The Inside Out | Healing the Inner Traumatized Child”.
A Sacred Moment in the Water Garden
The lotus pose. One of tranquility and clarity. This is how I view the overall presence of my son, Zachary. A thoughtful clear and kind individual, always seeking his own way towards peace in a hectic world. The pose takes over Zachary, transcending him to a water garden, in a way where he isn’t just in it but becomes it.
Sirsasana Sunrise
Sirsasana (Sir-suh-sah-nuh) is the most revered and respected of all the yoga poses. Sometimes called “the king of yoga poses”, the health benefits are so amazing as this pose requires the utmost determination, core strength, and most of all…focus.
I have always been in awe of how Zion Allanah Glenn has always fearlessly embraced this pose, which makes sense why she has fearlessly embraced every aspect of life to this point. As she plans and prepares for life after high school (although she is only a freshman), I find myself less anxious about her safety and security, because she is the ultimate powerhouse, always hungry for the next adventure. Intersting, the things children teach us.
Some health benefits of the Sirsasana pose:
• Natural antioxidant
• Naturally fights depression, anxiety and other disorders, respectfully
• Improves overall concentration, balance, posture, and most of all, reduces and balances the stress hormone known as cortisol (do some research, love)
• Energizes the body
• Gravitational pull effectively circulates blood to brain and heart
• Improves digestion, circulation, even flexibility
• Relieves backaches
Portrait of the Artist
June of 2022 became a literal breaking point in my life,…
and one that would change how I regard my life forever. My breaking point would also eventually become an integral part of my legacy. It was during this time that a kind stranger saw me, really made it her job to see me, pulled me aside just to explain that being broken does not mean that I am shattered; now, pull yourself together, because…”you’re worth it”. I’m worth it. Worth the struggle that eventually led me down a transformative journey. Worth going through the struggle that will lead to helping others, as well. For, at one point or another in our lives, we will all be broken by life, and maybe even shattered; but that seemingly microscopic light at the end of the tunnel during the darkest moments simply means that we are still here. Still able and capable of putting ourselves back together again, but it is, in fact, our responsibility to heal and even help others at times.
Health is the first wealth. And this also extends, without question or judgement, to our mental health. This world, undoubtedly, needs intensive and intentional healing, from within. To be honest, if I would have ever known in the past that I would become an instrument of representation in the aspect of wellness, especially in underserved communities, then I don’t know if I would have actually pursued certain avenues of my life; but after all…that is the beauty of the here and now.
Through my body of work, one can obtain their own sense of alleviation from the commotion of their mind. Overall wellness can be many things on many levels but on many levels it is not always visible. Until we, as a people, understand, accept and embrace this…how can we truly be or even become…whole?
I want to personally thank you for taking the time to reflect, meditate on and heal your inner child through these works. When applicable, I invite you to interact with the “living wall”. As you nourish the life developing in their habitats, imagine that you are nourishing and even healing your inner child, your inner being, your mind, heart, spirit and soul. It is never too late to embark on the journey that must begin from the inside out.
Peace, joy & love…Erin M. Smith Glenn, MFA
Golden Time of Day
“You know what freedom is. No fear.” ~ The Incomparable Ms. Nina Simone
This is exactly what I felt. Both from the application of the yarn on top of the acrylic paint by way of super glue and by the idea of medium “breaking the canvas”, flowing down the wall, unraveling on the floor, and laying itself bare for the world to see. The juxtaposition is so uncanny that I look forward to disturbing spaces and concepts more and more over time, in the search for more of the freedom dopamine rush.
At this point in my life, I was forced to come face to face with my own mental health journey, but the enlightenment since has been it’s own natural high. This same painting has also been printed and permanently wrapped around an electric box in front of the Kettering Towers. My hopes is that those who pass it by can interpret the healing moment as she looks upward. The gold representing the hope of the future. In the gallery, the entire piece is shown including the yarn, representing the very unraveling, the coming undone, and finally the self-acceptance and self-forgiveness; the ultimate result…freedom on a holistic level: body, mind, heart, soul.
I invite you to pop in your earbuds in once again and enjoy the soundtrack of this piece, Golden Time of Day by Frankie Beverly & Maze. As you observe with your eyes and ears, what emotions come to mind? Maybe even jot them down. Record your emotions in time, reflect on them, acknowledge and respect them. There’s no one else; just you, the scene and your valid thoughts. Embrace it.
The Bold The Bald The Beautiful
I was captivated when my friend Matthew displayed the original photograph of three glamrous Queens. That photo reached through my timeline and onto my canvas, where I added a whimsical touch to bring out the melanin-infused richness of the tones. These tones are then crowned by a bold, empowering beauty that no one can deny. I hope I did them justice. I hope the next woman who identifies with this is empowered by this. I hope that anyone who struggles with the unfair societal standards are energized and see this as a reason to embrace their own unique individual beauty, as you so richly deserve.
Primarily, 1
Primarily is a play on words, as the primary colors are at use here, against a Black background, emphasizing that Black and Brown people and their skin tones vary just as the mixture of natures greatest color contributions.
03/13/2025