Kathryn Tubbs

Los Angeles, CA
www.ktubbsart.com
@ktubbsart
“Loss is Never Still”
Acrylic and waxed thread on canvas
36″x36″x1.5″
$1,000
Artist Statement: I was privileged to be paired with Vickie Speed, the widow of Mitch Speed, who lost his life to pancreatic cancer. Mitch was a detective with the LAPD and his law enforcement family and support system meant a lot to both Mitch and Vickie as they navigated his diagnosis and care. I was struck by Vickie’s determination to amplify Mitch’s legacy by creating the non-profit Blue Cancer Connect to improve the care and outcome for law enforcement officers diagnosed with cancer. She discussed healing from the loss of her husband as a difficult and continuous process. Her strength and commitment to help others in the community, even as she was mourning a great loss, is inspiring. I wanted my painting to capture all of this- their love for each other, Mitch’s commitment to his police career, and Vickie’s journey of rebuilding after loss. I depicted a blue heart thick with many layers of matte paint, almost like it is being excavated from the swirling background, centered and prominent. I added rough embroidery as the veining to symbolize Vickie’s healing as she continues to grow through mourning.