In Reverence to the Feminine : Paula de la Joie | O Grandmother. Please heal my heart. And again. And again. And again.

O Grandmother. Please heal my heart. And again. And again. And again., Paula deJoie, 2024, Liquid Acrylics & Water-Based Oils, 48 x 30"

 $12,000

Artist Statement

Based in Berkeley | unceded Huichin land

Paula deJoie was born in Los Angeles, California and moved to Berkeley to attend the University of California where she degreed in Fine Art and Law. From childhood on, Paula turned to art and writing as healing balms. Some of her early work depicted the particular suffering of black children. As an Elder now, Paula continues to use words and visuals as powerful and effective tools for healing and transformation and to connect with our Ancestors.

When considering our Ancestors, we contain multitudes. The earliest humans first appeared over 2 million years ago, the first of those said to be in Africa. Does this mean all humans share some of the same DNA? Are we all African? Or are we all simply stardust? There’s science and there’s myth and perhaps there’s something in between. That’s where Paula tends to find herself, in the in between spaces. 

O Grandmother. Please heal my heart. And again. And again. And again. | Fear Not. I Am Here.

From childhood on, I’ve turned to art and writing as healing balms. They’ve helped me through family trauma, the loss of a child, the loss of my home and more. I believe that I am being held by a Divine Spirit that, along with my Ancestors and Angels, guides me along my healing path to enlightenment. Maya Angelou once said that she brings her Ancestors and everyone who ever loved her with her everywhere she goes, so she is never alone. I hope that my artwork inspires you to connect your heart and your spirit to your Ancestors as well.