Burn survivors in America
Biography of Doug Auld
"A thing is beautiful when it is strong in it's kind." --Robert Henri, 1926
Doug Auld (www.dougauld.com) paints portraits of burn survivors. His State of Grace series was initially inspired by what he describes as a momentary encounter with an adolescent burn survivor some 30 years ago. "
In 2004, I began painting large-scale portraits of young burn survivors, done with the cooperation of Kathy Conlon and Roy Bond at the Burn Center at the St Barnabas Medical Center in New Jersey.”
Doug refers to his art as “exploring beauty’s boundaries,” saying “(My models) areremarkable people who have overcome extreme adversity and display traits such as courage, inner strength, compassion and kindness.”Doug’s art invites viewers to confront what makes us human and how these traits can alter people’s perception of who they find to be beautiful. He says, “I believe that art and the power of the image can be a catalyst for our personal evolution and the shaping of our society. In order to grow, we first have to confront the truth. This is the purpose of my work.”
Images
“Shayla” oil on linen 50” x 40” 2006
Shayla was five years old when her brother accidentally dropped a cigarette lighter on her bed setting her on fire. With the majority of her body burned , Shayla lost her fingers and her ability to have children. Shayla is an amazing young girl. She is top of her class in many activities including academics, arts and crafts, cheerleading and even manages to play the piano. She is an honor student, class president, and aspires to be a hair stylist when she finishes school.
“Alvaro” oil on linen 50” x 40” 2006
Alvaro was one of fifty students injured in the tragic dormitory fire at Seton Hall University in NJ in January of 2000. Ruled an act of arson, the fire also took the lives of three classmates. When brought into the burn center, Doctors gave Alvaro little chance of survival upon seeing his severely burned body in the burn center moments after the fire. Alvaro was temporarily put into a morphine induced coma and then endured a painful recovery process over the following years. As a result of his experience Alvaro changed his life ambition from computer science to physical therapy where he can help others recover from their burn and trauma injuries.
“Rebecca & Louise” (Diptych) oil on linen 40” x 100” 2006
Rebecca and Louise are sisters who were both severely burned in a second story house fire. The fire took the lives of their aunt, grandfather, and three sisters. This life changing event has changed Rebecca and Louise lives forever. Rebecca and Louise now seek to understand the true meaning of thier lives, saying they are "blessed to know that God is utilizing our burns to enhance our lives with meaningful lessons". They would like to help others and inspire all people to understand their true greatness. Rebecca is studying Pre-law and History at Lincoln University PA, and will complete her degree in 2008. Louise is currently completing her doctorate in psychology at Capella University. Both Rebecca and Louise love to laugh and inspire many with their unique beauty.
“Nelson” oil on linen 50” x 40” 2007
Nelson, his brother, and his parents were asleep when the fire started in their second story apartment. After trying to wake her husband who was a heavy sleeper, Nelson's mom, in a panic, jumped from the window so she could then encourage the boys to jump and break their fall. Nelsons mom, both legs broken, caught Nelsons brother. Before Nelson could jump, the room exploded and blew him through the window. Nelson sustained severe burn injuries to the majority of his back from the heat of the explosion. His father did not survive the fire.
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