Clare Freitas

In 2019, I was diagnosed with a chronic illness, a rare disease called Cerebellar Ataxia. It has completely changed my life, and brought into focus the importance of my art and my spiritual path. 

 

I had never considered myself a visual artist. These portraits began with one birthday card I made for my partner, Eliza, that same year. I thought it would be fun to make a picture of our dog, Charlotte. I was drawn to the texture and colors of construction paper. 

 

After that first card, I was inspired to make portraits of animals I have loved and known. I owned a doggy day care in Santa Fe for many years. In 2017, I sold my business and moved back home to California. I miss the animals I cared for! The portraits are a way to have my charges all around me in paper form.

 

My art experience seems like the only thing that matters. As my illness progresses, there is so much I cannot do, but these pictures flow through me, as if each animal is creating itself. I hope you enjoy my interpretations of these unique and beautiful beings.