Portrait of the Artist: Sister Maryanna Euring
CenterLight Healthcare PACE Amityville Participant Sister Maryanna Euring, 82, is an accomplished Asian brush painter. She has been a CenterLight participat since 2018. Here, she shares ways this 2,000-year-old artform has impacted her life, especially in the age of COVID.
A Lifelong Dream.
I’ve always loved Asian brush paintings. When I was a little girl, my mother took me to the Brooklyn Museum and there was a room dedicated to Asian art. It captivated me. It’s one of the oldest art forms, based on the Buddhist tenet of being present. I started taking art lessons and it came very naturally to me. Even though I am a Catholic nun I appreciate the Buddhist way of mindfulness.
Giving Back.
I’ve earned thousands of dollars for my painting but I don’t keep the money myself. As a nun, I took a vow of poverty. I have donated the money to literacy programs for immigrant women and to Puerto Rican earthquake relief. It gives me great pleasure to share my gifts with the world.
In addition to the DHC activities, Irma also enjoys physical and occupational therapy and receive all the services she needs to remain living in the community.
Divine Inspiration.
I meditate first and the brush leads the way. I have an idea but the brush does something else. It helps me let go of any worries. Painting is what kept me going during COVID. I have an idea but the brush does something else. It helps me let go of any worries. Painting is what kept me going during COVID.
Silver Linings.
One good thing about COVID is that there has been more time to reflect and spend time with family, which is a wonderful gift. I hope when we get back to “normal,” whatever that is – that we’ll still take time to be with each other.
H3329_2021_BLOGArtist Approved 07022021
Last updated June 11, 2021