My sister Toni Gallo colored the world brightly through her art.
I was fortunate enough to be with Toni at RML Specialty Hospital in Chicago in the Winter and early Spring of 2021. There I watched her paint beautiful canvases. Yes, there she was…. attached to a ventilator that breathed for her, undergoing an uncertain and difficult ventilator weaning process. Her once-beautiful body was frightfully emaciated and weakened, her lungs irreversibly damaged by COVID. She was unable to talk or produce sound, but, with paintbrush in hand, she created magic. I watched as she colored the world brightly, despite the constant comings and goings of medical staff, despite her pain, despite her weakness. The image of Toni painting is seared into my brain. I will forever carry my bravest hero, my sister Toni, in the center and forefront of my heart.
For Toni’s art, I sometimes found a few images online for artistic inspiration. Using her iPad, I would ask her which image she would like to paint. She would choose one. Inevitably, Toni’s painting was always more colorful, more vivid, more beautiful than the inspiration piece! Most of Toni’s art below is watermarked. I have not given up on the idea of a Toni-Love Foundation, a nonprofit to benefit differently-abled adults. I just need to find the time to create the foundation.
Early Valentine’s Day Art: Love on Fire (finger art, she didn’t have any paint brushes yet)
Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2021 (finger art)
Flower Power
Below: The red mandala Toni painted and then gave to Dr. Iyengar. He was all choked up upon receiving it and said he would give this to his mother (who lived with him) and he would treasure it for life. He asked Toni to write her room number and to date the painting. I helped her with that: Room 230 (aka, the “Red Carpet Room” at RML), dated March 11, 2021.
Mother Night and Moon
Zina’s Sunrise (Zina requested a painting so Toni made this for her)
Trees, Lungs of the Earth (This work of art has a permanent home at RML Specialty Hospital on the second floor, Toni’s floor).
Toni’s Garden (this was drawn long before she had Covid)
Reno Sunset My friend Annette Case sent us this photo of a Reno sunset, as that is where she was during Covid Shelter in Place. I asked Toni if she could paint the Reno sunset and this is what she created.
Original photo of the Reno sunset, the inspiration for Toni’s painting above. Have I already mentioned that Toni made everything more beautiful?
Nora’s Sunset (Toni painted this for Nora)
Moon and Waves. Toni created three similar paintings. The Video Link of Toni making waves shows Toni painting another canvas, similar but different from the one she created below. If you watch the video carefully, you can see an inspiration photo that I had pulled up on her iPad. She said she wanted to paint the ocean and the moon so I pulled up various such images. She chose this image from many others, but made each of the three paintings more colorful and mysterious than the inspiration photo.
Since I am on vacation, escaping the snow in Seattle!!, I hope to post more blog posts, while I am here! Namaste, Fran
I, too, have been touched by Toni’s art and will never forget being part of, through your writing, the last several months of her life. Thank you for continuing to share her story of strength and beauty.
Dear Rene, I never know if my replies/comments make it back to those who comment. I sure hope so. Thank you for what you wrote. Toni touched so many people in her life. I will continue to write and share her story of strength and beauty periodically throughout my life. During those last months of her life, when I was privileged to be with her at the hospital, my life was deeply altered and transformed. I know she had the power to do that for you, too. She was extraordinary. We were the lucky ones to have been touched by her life. Love and Namaste, Fran
She was such an inspiration and she continues to be inspirational to all of us! Thank you for sharing her with us Fran🌈🌈
Thank you, dear Anita!!
Toni’s love of color and artistry still inspire me.
Thank you, Tina. I agree! And I am inspired by your art and the portrait you did of Toni. I treasure it, always. -Fran
Toni was such a beautiful soul. She brought love and light everywhere she went.
Yes, I agree, Lena. And thank you always for your love and kindness. -Fran
Toni is an inspiration, Fran. Thank you/ Enjoy the sun of Zihua.
I agree! And yes, the sun here is healing!
So awesome!! So glad you are on vacation!! Where are you? No need to reply here. I’ll email you.
Thanks, Bev!!
June: Toni’s video of her painting g is pretty. Her hand strokes are awesome. I like the colors she picked out.
Jade: I like how she mixes colors. Your other drawings are awesome too!
I love you girls so much! Aunty Toni loved you A LOT, too. She loved all the artwork you made for her and she treasured your drawings and cards and videos! Your comments on Toni’s art and video are the comments of one artist to another. Thank you for your insight!