Artist Statement
While creating this image, I took these questions into account. What I love most about the process is that all of these questions can be answered by the viewers of this artwork. Based on our own experiences, we can come up with story lines for everything that we see. Therein lies the beauty of art. Its true meaning is left to the creative imagination of whomever appreciates it.
As healthcare professionals, we have to understand that each patient might be our “Mysterious Woman”. We have to appreciate the fact that our patients are emotional beings and not just a collection of anatomical systems seeking treatments. Just like this piece of art sparks a curiosity with the questions above, our patients should also speak curiosities within us. By knowing how they feel, we can bring about the best possible outcomes. Remember, we will never understand what someone is going through, unless we walk in their shoes.
Recommended Citation
Okpokpo, Eno-Emem
(2016)
"The Mysterious Woman,"
be Still: Vol. 1, Article 30.
Available at:
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/bestill/vol1/iss1/30
Included in
Fine Arts Commons, Medical Humanities Commons, Poetry Commons
About the Artist
I was born and raised in western Nigeria. I moved to the United States for my college education when I was 18 years old and that has been one of the best decisions of my entire life. I obtained my AA from Broward College and my BMS from University of South Florida in Biomedical Sciences. Upon completing my medical education, I would love to practice in an underserved area where I believe my osteopathic training would be highly beneficial.
My interest in the arts has always been present since childhood. My particular interests have always been drawing sketches and singing. Through the years, I was able to hone my skills in these areas and get better at them. In the future, I plan to do what I can to find ways to incorporate these skills into practicing (and hopefully teaching) the art of medicine
Eno-Emem Okpokpo is a First-Year Medical Student.