Thank you for keeping Laura's memory alive by seeing the beauty of her art and looking deeper to discover her story. It's a reminder we are never truly lost, sometimes we just need someone to help tell our story when we aren't able to do it ourselves.
Just wanted to say that your lighthouse drawing spoke so deeply to me that I printed it out and have stuck it on the wall in my office where I can see it all day. I hope that was okay. And also I love this mystery, the art and the new life and light you're giving Ms Perea.
And thank YOU for YOUR shine. I love that you found this art and have shared it with us. It is dreadfully beautiful, and you are keeping her memory alive by sharing it. I hope your treatment went well and is having a positive effect in coming through or if possible avoiding the darkness. You are amazing.
I appreciate your openness and all that you share. You have given me the courage to speak up and speak out in cases where I might not have in the past.
I love you and your brilliant shining light, even when all seems dark on your side.
We know so little about the demons others are dealing with, and maybe that's a good thing. Better to share the light when it happens, and let that be the memory of us (though the darkness remains, it ceases to frighten when we know the light will always come again).
Has anyone recommended the American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM) in Baltimore? They have a lot of Outsider Art including some made by people who were institutionalized. It would be so great to see Ms. Perea’s work be shared with the world! I hope it works out. 🩷
Wow. I am glad to hear there is a sort of ending to the story. I too hope it become one of if not happiness, at least of peace. That the lingering things of a life's dark places became a release and healing, and mostly, I am glad that you didn't feel alone.
Thank you for shining a light into the darkness, and I hope that in your own dark places you can find others shining theirs. Love ya Jenny.
Laura's art touched me too. Thank you for doing all the research to ensure that her story lives, and can make a difference in other lives. I'm so happy that you live and haven't quit the fight. You are truly loved and appreciated.
Thank you for this, all of it. It was only after I went back and read your blog that I saw the words at the bottom of your drawing. The meaning gets deeper when I realize there is more than I had thought.
I always have a hard time seeing electroshock therapy in movies, but in her art it feels less harsh. I think it's all the moments of tenderness, the hand holding, probably the fact it was created by someone who had been through it not a director or writer separate from it. My maternal grandmother went though that when my mom was in middle school and it has always made me think, usually too much, and then I need a lie down. Thank you for keeping Laura's art safe and shared.
Apr 19·edited Apr 19Liked by Jenny Lawson (thebloggess)
OMGoodness!! This is the same asylum where my great grandmother was institutionalized. I write about her tragic disappearance in my memoir. She lived and died here and is buried on the grounds of the San Antonio State Hospital. I recognized the building as soon as I saw Laura's pen and ink drawing of the asylum. I'm deeply moved by her story but also feel a connection to this artist! Thank you for continuing your search and reaching out to Laura--you have extended a hand to others (including me).
Thank you for keeping Laura's memory alive by seeing the beauty of her art and looking deeper to discover her story. It's a reminder we are never truly lost, sometimes we just need someone to help tell our story when we aren't able to do it ourselves.
Just wanted to say that your lighthouse drawing spoke so deeply to me that I printed it out and have stuck it on the wall in my office where I can see it all day. I hope that was okay. And also I love this mystery, the art and the new life and light you're giving Ms Perea.
And thank YOU for YOUR shine. I love that you found this art and have shared it with us. It is dreadfully beautiful, and you are keeping her memory alive by sharing it. I hope your treatment went well and is having a positive effect in coming through or if possible avoiding the darkness. You are amazing.
I appreciate your openness and all that you share. You have given me the courage to speak up and speak out in cases where I might not have in the past.
I love you and your brilliant shining light, even when all seems dark on your side.
You make a difference.
We know so little about the demons others are dealing with, and maybe that's a good thing. Better to share the light when it happens, and let that be the memory of us (though the darkness remains, it ceases to frighten when we know the light will always come again).
Has anyone recommended the American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM) in Baltimore? They have a lot of Outsider Art including some made by people who were institutionalized. It would be so great to see Ms. Perea’s work be shared with the world! I hope it works out. 🩷
I've emailed them but no response yet.
Wow. I am glad to hear there is a sort of ending to the story. I too hope it become one of if not happiness, at least of peace. That the lingering things of a life's dark places became a release and healing, and mostly, I am glad that you didn't feel alone.
Thank you for shining a light into the darkness, and I hope that in your own dark places you can find others shining theirs. Love ya Jenny.
So beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing this story across time.
Laura's art touched me too. Thank you for doing all the research to ensure that her story lives, and can make a difference in other lives. I'm so happy that you live and haven't quit the fight. You are truly loved and appreciated.
Thank you! I was heading into the proverbial "pit of despair" when I read your post. it made a difference!
This was a beautiful post and a very interesting story. I'm grateful for your sharing.
Such a beautiful drawing.
I needed this!
Thank you for this, all of it. It was only after I went back and read your blog that I saw the words at the bottom of your drawing. The meaning gets deeper when I realize there is more than I had thought.
I always have a hard time seeing electroshock therapy in movies, but in her art it feels less harsh. I think it's all the moments of tenderness, the hand holding, probably the fact it was created by someone who had been through it not a director or writer separate from it. My maternal grandmother went though that when my mom was in middle school and it has always made me think, usually too much, and then I need a lie down. Thank you for keeping Laura's art safe and shared.
This is sooo cool! Thanks for following the pull of this story so we could take it in with you. ❤️
OMGoodness!! This is the same asylum where my great grandmother was institutionalized. I write about her tragic disappearance in my memoir. She lived and died here and is buried on the grounds of the San Antonio State Hospital. I recognized the building as soon as I saw Laura's pen and ink drawing of the asylum. I'm deeply moved by her story but also feel a connection to this artist! Thank you for continuing your search and reaching out to Laura--you have extended a hand to others (including me).