Myrtice West enjoyed art as a childhood hobby, but turned to painting in the late 1970's as a way of coping with a life marked by numerous tragedies. An Alabama native in her 70's who has always been deeply religious, West was raised on a farm and married her husband Wallace at the age of 17. Cancer and surgery kept her from having children for nearly two decades; then, against all odds, the Wests finally had a daughter, Martha Jane. Martha Jane, despite her parents' counsel, married a hot-tempered man at the age of fifteen; several years later, she was murdered by her abusive husband, and the Wests were left to raise two traumatized young grandchildren. As she grieved over the loss of her only child, West turned increasingly to the Bible for solace and found herself drawn to painting Bible scenes. She spent seven years of painting every day to complete 14 large and intricate oil paintings that depict the
Biblical book of Revelations. Other Biblically inspired pieces followed, and provided the inspiration which kept her going during trying times. Each of her complex Biblical works is preceded by months of intense Bible study. In February 2000, the Wests met with another trial when their house burned to the ground. West was able to save her mother's Bible and thirteen of her paintings, but lost dozens of other paintings, all her painting supplies, and all of the family photos, documents, furniture, and clothing. As before, their religious faith helped see them through this difficult time. We are sad to report that Myrtice West's husband Wallace died in June 2005. Our thoughts and prayers are with her during this challenging time.
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