Continuum of Spirit

As a butterfly emerges through metamorphosis, this unique ability to transform evokes an
uplifting sense of renewal. Thanks to the generous support of Northern Westchester Hospital a part of Northwell Health, I had the privilege of speaking with their expert Neurosurgeons about a recent patient experience and the honor of sharing their story through my art.

In Continuum of Spirit, the three-dimensional imagery of butterflies and music, reflect the harmony of talent and extraordinary skill that provided lifesaving care to this patient.
Observing a butterfly as it flies, one is struck by its delicate nature and darting movements that appear both frenetic and precise at the same time.

The story shared by neurosurgeons Dr.
David Gordon and Dr. Danilo Silva echoed this balance in the rapid yet seamless response of
each department and discipline that played a vital role in the success of their surgery.
When a patient arrived in critical condition, it took decisive intervention to determine the cause: a brain hemorrhage resulting from a complex vascular malformation that had burst. In the past, this patient would have required transfer to another medical center and would have been unlikely to survive that trip.
Today, the level of emergent care capabilities available at Northwell Health's Westchester
hospitals - Northern Westchester and Phelps - including advanced imaging and the ability to
perform complex, microscopic cerebrovascular surgery, mean that this patient is instead
walking, talking, and spending time with loved ones.
The musical notes visible throughout my piece are emblematic of the emergency room nurses and doctors, anesthesiologists, surgeons, operating room personnel, and physician assistants that acted with the necessary speed and expertise to save this patient's life. Just as individual music notes become more powerful as they are joined together in a song, I have positioned the
butterflies in a circular formation to represent the vast potential for restoration and renewal when the individual pieces of expertise and care join together, orchestrated flawlessly.
My choice to utilize medical textbooks about the human brain throughout the piece is an
expression of gratitude to Dr. Gordon who conveyed that it was his initial interest in the brain that was the springboard for his foray into medicine.

Thank you for sharing this story of hope,
bravery, and never-ending continuum of spirit.

Mixed media, 48' x 48"