Takeaway
My painting, “Dreamscape,” represents the importance of acknowledging and addressing patients' feelings about aging and mortality.
Creative Arts in Medicine | September 30, 2024 | <1 min read
By Jessica Berry, PhD, clinical psychologist
This gouache painting was created after spending time in New York City studying at the New York Graduate School of Figurative Art. Drawing from the nude figure (and especially drawing elderly models) and living in the city were elements I incorporated into this “Dreamscape.” The piece represents how aging, and the approaching horizon, may sometimes bring a sense of alarm and inevitability.
These may be challenging feelings for those approaching the end of life and can also be challenging for healthcare professionals to support patients experiencing this. However, it’s important for clinicians to engage patients in conversations about these topics if they bring them up. These discussions can ultimately be rewarding for both patients and clinicians alike.
This piece expresses the views solely of the author. It does not necessarily represent the views of any organization, including Johns Hopkins Medicine.