“I endeavor to encourage creativity in the face of adversity,” says this third generation Newcomb alum and artist, Alison Atkins. Painted in Paris shortly after her husband's death, the painting illustrates Atkin's poetic journey through her intense grieving process. In what appears to be a theatrical vortex with swirling wind and emotion, the painting depicts a male figure who plucks a blue flower from an ominous bouquet, while a woman quietly watches in the background.

The painting is an example of how artists move through grief. When asked about her art and poetry practice Atkins claims that, “being a Newcomb artist gave me strength.”

• From File Dimensions: 25 x 33 in. (63.5 x 83.82 cm)
• overall, frame Dimensions: 34 x 41.25 in. (863.6 x 1047.75 mm)

This object is a member of the following portfolios: