Looking into the Eyes of a Storm

Being a nurse during the COVID pandemic was like going into war without a gun—or, I guess you could say, without enough protective equipment. While the world quarantined at home with their loved ones, I was living with the virus. Coming home to an empty house, afraid to expose anyone I loved. Hardly seeing friends or family, while they were terrified to hear what I was experiencing. In the beginning, nurses were the only individuals allowed in the patient’s room. The countless times I held a patient’s hand while their beloved wept and said goodbyes from an iPad. The echoes of the alarms, code blues, and zipping of a body bag still haunt my thoughts. We were called “Healthcare Heroes” until the world reopened, and then we were forgotten. The world moved on but healthcare workers never had time to reflect, heal, or process what we had just experienced.

This piece represents that journey. The IV vial caps, usually discarded at the hospital, were saved—376 hours spent laying caps. Each one represents different moments of chaos, resilience, and hope experienced during that time. They come together to portray every nurse I admire and strive to be like every day. We are loving, courageous, and human.

I created this 102” x 54” pointillism mixed media piece, 'Looking into the Eyes of a Storm,' using IV medical caps in poured epoxy on wood. I am raising funds to cover the cost of materials and compensation for the two years of work that went into this project. With your support, I will be able to donate this artwork to a hospital in honor of nurses everywhere. Please consider helping me honor the resilience and humanity of nurses who gave so much during the pandemic.