About the Artist

Maria-Lana Queen

I am a native Washingtonian known to many as having a zest for life and a passion for style and fashion as a runway model. As a model, it never occurred to me to consider embarking upon any activity, such as painting, that would interfere with my ability to maintain my hands for my modeling work. On 12/28/03 a traumatic experience occurred in my life that would change me forever. Here's my story.

"On December 25, 2003 a friend gave me a Christmas gift consisting of oil paints, paint brushes, and canvases. I said, "Oh, what a "cute" gift". However, knowing the kind of person that I am, the fact that I had no desire to paint, or any formal education in art, made me look at the gift set and think "Nice, but I'll never use such a gift". I went home and placed the gift on the floor - still in the torn Christmas wrapping - with other unique Christmas gifts. Three days later, on December 28, 2003, my older brother, who was also my best friend, died suddenly. I was traumatized! Not being prepared for his death, I was also not prepared for what was to lie ahead of me. The pain of losing him was quite devastating. I sank into a state of depression. I packed my bags for a retreat to deal with this loss. Upon packing, somehow I was led to this bag of paint, brushes, and canvas - the Christmas gift. I remember thinking that I needed to get my life back on track, so perhaps I could paint while I was on retreat to relieve my sadness. Little did I know that painting would become my therapy to deal with my loss. I painted palm trees, the sun setting, the ocean, and everything I could, just to keep my mind occupied. I actually began to enjoy it! Before I knew it, I found myself not wanting to stop painting. I would paint all night then wake up in the morning and rush to see my artwork. Wow, in trying to work through a traumatic experience with a Christmas gift from a friend, I was suddenly introduced to a new passion . . . art. Who would have ever thought that a rather curious Christmas gift and the death of my brother would lead me on what has become a spiritual journey through painting.

Interestingly, my brother loved to paint houses. I know that whenever I paint, my brother's presence is there and I feel connected to him. That makes me happy. Through painting, I have found a way to transform my sorrow for his death into a celebration of his life. I have found peace. It is for that reason, that I dedicate my paintings to my brother, Gerard "Fatman" Queen.