WAAM is pleased to launch our Member Interview Series with artist Gertrude Abramson. Inspired by her extraordinary life’s spiritual journey which includes being a Zen Buddhist Priest, professional ballet dancer, street clown, and hospital chaplain and chaplain teacher – Gertrude’s art reflect a wide range of imagery and emotions which are juggled into a new reality using different art mediums.
WAAM: How would you describe yourself?
Gertrude Abramson: I am a zen buddhist priest, artist, and chaplain.
WAAM: Are you a Hudson Valley native? If not, what brought you here and how long ago?
Gertrude: I am not a native. I came to the area to study zen buddhism at the Zen Mountain Monastery in Mt. Tremper in 1983 and I’ve lived here ever since, presently living in Chichester.
WAAM: Why & what do you create?
Gertrude: I create because I have a strong need to. I create from the love I feel when I can connect intimately to light and movement. Presently I’m focused on “water” and it’s movement.
WAAM: What is your sustaining inspiration?
Gertrude: Water and it’s movements, light and energy.
WAAM: Do you have a job to support your art? How is it relevant?
Gertrude: Yes, I presently work at Vassar Brothers Hospital where I am a chaplain supervisor teaching interns to become chaplains. It feeds my art in a way that it puts me face to face with sickness, old age, and death. It makes life special and sacred to me.
Thank you Trudi! You can see more of Trudi’s work at Ulster Artists Online
Categories: WAAM Exclusive Interviews
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