"a fragile alchemy" 12 inches square, copyright jeff ostrowski 2008- acrylic, ink , and blood root (sanguinaria canadensis) on canvas. blood root is a wild-growing plant used for healing in Native-American ceremonies; it's the orange background color. This painting is inspired by the tragic story of Rachel Widomski, a Columbus-area artist. On the night of May 15th, she was seriously injured by a hit-and-run driver (who allegedly skipped out on his bill) outside of Haiku restaturant. Rachel's severe spinal cord injuries will leave her partially paralyzed for life. Like most stories like this, it really made me realize how much life, and being an artist, means to me. ... and how quickly and without warning things can change forever, hence the title. I couldn't imagine being alive and not able to paint or draw. I wanted the piece to be more of a celebration than morbid though. A part of all proceeds from prints or the sale of this piece will go to the fund set up to help her. to find out more, or help directly, go to www.haikuhelp.com carpe diem