This is shared as a personal creative work. Poetry and artwork communicate lived experiences in unique ways, and each piece reflects the individual voice and perspective of its creator.
Emerge
Emerge is a 4'x4' acrylic and latex painting on canvas. I was inspired by discovering Jackson Pollock paintings, though I had never tried much painting before my brain injury. I used a combination of splatter and drip painting, adding water to the acrylics to increase fluidity and movement of the paint as I moved around the canvas and moved the canvas itself. This painting is reflective of the resiliency needed for our brain injury journeys, in some areas starting with a completely blank slate. Making purposeful choices in color and in life, we add and adjust, sometimes needing time between activities so as not to muddy the work. Slowly, by God’s grace, a clearer picture begins to take on a shape of its own. Without forcing the results, but by taking one step after another, changing throughout each stage, and resting in between, somehow a beautiful butterfly full of color, movement, and life emerges.from brokenness.
Written by: Maralee Teshima
Person living with a brain injury
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My name is Maralee Teshima, and I sustained a traumatic brain injury while working as an elementary school teacher in 2012. I began painting during my recovery, am inspired by Jackson Pollock, and enjoy the freedom of moving my whole body to apply paint in a variety of ways. Creating art, gardens, exercise experiences, healthy meals, and conversations are some of my favorite ways to share my life and God’s beauty with others. I find deep connections through our vulnerable experiences of being human, lifelong learning, developing resilience, and looking up.
Creativity brings hope to life.
In 2025, we invited those living with a brain injury from our community to share their artwork for the first-ever Hope Survives Greeting Card Collection. This piece is part of the featured gallery which highlights the artists whose work was selected for our printed cards, available as part of this fundraiser.
Click here to see our current gallery.
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