Hand, 2023

Donna Gallers
New York, NY
Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sjögren’s

I have been exploring my changing and challenging hands in my artwork since being diagnosed with RA in 2007. I’ve created images of hands in every medium I’ve worked in throughout the years, including pencil and ink drawings, charcoal, paper cuts, collage, oil pastels, oil paint. Recently I’ve been learning watercolor techniques, and this piece is my first “hand” watercolor painting. Making art and creating with my hands helps keep my heart alive while living with autoimmune disease and in an oppressive world.