Artist Bio:

Paula deJoie is a lifelong visionary writer and painter. Born in Los Angeles, Paula moved to Berkeley in the 1970s to attend the University of California, where she degreed in Fine Art and Law. She has worn many hats over the years and now returns to her first loves of writing and painting, creating a legacy of healing arts and words. Her paintings have been exhibited in a variety of venues in the Bay Area and Los Angeles.

Paula’s most recent offering is Ancestor Wisdom Healing Cards & Guidebook, a set of 40 beautiful cards featuring vintage family photos with hand-painted backgrounds and a 93-page guidebook containing enlightening history, useful messages, and uplifting affirmations. Please visit that gallery for more information.

Artist Statement:

There’s an Indigenous saying: “The soul would have no rainbow if the eyes had no tears.” Titinga Frederic Pacere, a griot and poet from Burkina Faso said, “If the branch is to flower, it must honor its roots.” Life is full of challenges, and for many of us, unforgettable trauma. Perhaps it began with an abusive childhood, which morphed into an abusive adult relationship. Perhaps you’ve experienced the loss of a precious child, a beloved relative, or a special friend. Perhaps you’ve faced racist or sexist violence that has fundamentally affected how you see yourself and how you move in the world.

What do we do with this pain? Many say “Let Go and Let God” but how? We can speak it, write it out, paint it out, gather with those who share the most hurtful parts of our history and commiserate, hold each other, hear each other, see each other. All of this can certainly help.

As an Elder now, my art is focused upon forging stronger connections with my Ancestors and creating safe, sacred circles for Elders to share their stories by speaking them in words and pictures. I offer my own paintings and words as healing balms to all who need them.

Examples of Ancestor Wisdom Healing Cards