In 2012, artist Stasia Wilson, like so many across America, was overcome with emotion and grief at the news of the innocent children who died during a shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT. As a way to deal with the emotions Wilson painted a portrait of each child. That body of work, “Innocence of Sandy Hook” is on display at Studio 84 through the end of June.
Wilson has Cerebral Palsy and has limited movement of her hands. Therefore, she uses a head-stick designed by her dad from a hard hat to create two-dimensional art.
She graduated in 2009 from UW-Whitewater with a bachelor’s degree in art and a minor in English. Her work traditionally uses bright energetic colors and commonly deals with profound emotions that she cannot express physically or with words.
“The English language is full of rich and beautiful words. However, I often feel unable to express feelings such as sorrow and overwhelming joy by words alone,” Wilson said.
Three people Wilson was close to – a professor, a cousin and a brother-in-law – committed suicide in just over a three-year period.
“I was moved to make the Sandyhook portraits because I could relate to losing a loved one to violence,” Wilson said. “Even though I cannot imagine the pain of losing a child.”
Wilson said she often uses colors as an emotional reflection of personal turmoil and joy, “however, since I did not have a loved one who died in this tragedy, I used the hues in a slightly different way than I normally do.”
Not wanting to focus on the sorrow, Wilson said, she painted the children’s faces “in vibrant oil colors to stand for the kids’ joy and their happiness.”
Wilson did extensive research for the project and as a result, said she felt a special connection to one student who died, Dylan Hockley, who had autism.
“I know how difficult it can be to get up each day and face life with a disability. Judging by his huge smile, he must have really enjoyed life,” Wilson said. “My research told me that with the support of his family and the school he was doing well.”
Wilson said working on the series was very emotional and heartbreaking but the kids’ happy faces inspired her to focus on their joy for life.
“I attempted to celebrate their short life… By painting each person separately, it symbolically gives another life to them in the hearts and minds of people who experience these portraits,” Wilson said.
According to Deborah Blackwell, of Studio 84 and curator of the exhibit, by manipulating oil paint and other materials Wilson was able to deal with and express many different emotions visually.
“Wilson’s portrayal of the children is a beautiful tribute and memory of their colorful and joyful spirits,” Blackwell said.
Wilson plans to donate the portraits to the families of the children.
The exhibit will run this month at Studio 84, 121 W. Center St. in Whitewater. A public reception will be held from 2 to 4 p.m., today, June 13. For more information visit www.studio84inc.org or studio84inc on Facebook.
