06/Mar/2008
Meet Your Neighbor: Zachary Woman Makes Most Out of Life Through Artwork
By Summer Suleiman
Cheryl Hoyt had all four of her limbs amputated on New Year’s Eve of 1986. After experiencing a shaking chill and severe chest pains late one night in her home,
she was worried. She visited and called her doctor several times, but the doctor insisted it was only the flu.
Hoyt later discovered she struggled with pneumococcal pneumonia, a lung infection caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. The infection is difficult to fight with a weak immune system, and since Hoyt had her spleen removed when she was 7 years old due to a blood disorder called purpura, her body could not fight the infection and it spread to her bloodstream.
Despite her unfortunate circumstance, six years later she began a hobby that would flourish into a remarkable talent that provided her with an outlet to express herself and overcome the obstacles in her life.
Hidden Talent
Hoyt began painting in 1993. Her interest in water color painting sparked from a TV program she watched on LPB hosted by Tom Lynch. She began learning about water color painting by checking out books from the public library since she had no previous training or knowledge in painting. Most of what she learned about the art is self taught, save for one class she took at LSU on gestural drawing, which uses marks to express the energy on the page.
Hoyt draws inspiration for her paintings from her imagination. “I enjoy it because I can get lost in it. After I paint for a certain amount of time, I can get to the other side of my brain and that’s when I do my best work,” Hoyt said.
Today, Hoyt has painted thousands of pieces. Behind Hoyt’s home is a work room where many of her paintings are stacked wall to wall. Those do not include the ones she keeps inside of her home and car.
Artist’s identity
Hoyt is reluctant to talk about the awards she has won for her work and the recognized artists she has worked with. “I don’t need that dimension as an artist, and I don’t want it,” she said. She chose not to disclose that information because she wanted to maintain a strong identity as an artist.
But even more admirable than her talent and modesty is her outlook. When asked how the illness impacted her life – a question she hears frequently – she replied modestly. “I’m very grateful to God to have had 21 more years. A lot of people don’t survive what I had, but I did,” Hoyt said.
And with her time Hoyt decided to do something that she loved. She enjoys painting at Presbyterian Church and the YMCA in Zachary. There she can socialize with other artists and gain critiques, comments and ideas about her work. Hoyt began painting on 2-by-2 inch squares of paper and eventually expanded her work to larger tablets.
Hoyt said she enjoys all types of art, but she especially likes landscapes. Her technique seems to coincide much with her personality. “I’m not precise at all, I just go with the flow,” Hoyt said.
Humble attitude
Hoyt learned to adjust without the ease of her natural arms and legs. She says more than anything, it has changed her personality.
“I used to be quiet and shy, but now I figure if I don’t say what’s on my mind, I might not
have the chance. I talk and express my opinion more than I ever have,”
Hoyt said.
Hoyt has maintained a humble attitude toward the change in her life and she hopes others that face illnesses can overcome as well. “I guess people feel sorry for me, but I don’t feel sorry for myself,” Hoyt said.
Hoyt’s miniature paintings will be available for display at the Zachary library during March and April. Those interested can contact her at 654-5722.
By Summer Suleiman
Cheryl Hoyt had all four of her limbs amputated on New Year’s Eve of 1986. After experiencing a shaking chill and severe chest pains late one night in her home,
she was worried. She visited and called her doctor several times, but the doctor insisted it was only the flu. Hoyt later discovered she struggled with pneumococcal pneumonia, a lung infection caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. The infection is difficult to fight with a weak immune system, and since Hoyt had her spleen removed when she was 7 years old due to a blood disorder called purpura, her body could not fight the infection and it spread to her bloodstream.
Despite her unfortunate circumstance, six years later she began a hobby that would flourish into a remarkable talent that provided her with an outlet to express herself and overcome the obstacles in her life.
Hidden TalentHoyt began painting in 1993. Her interest in water color painting sparked from a TV program she watched on LPB hosted by Tom Lynch. She began learning about water color painting by checking out books from the public library since she had no previous training or knowledge in painting. Most of what she learned about the art is self taught, save for one class she took at LSU on gestural drawing, which uses marks to express the energy on the page.
Hoyt draws inspiration for her paintings from her imagination. “I enjoy it because I can get lost in it. After I paint for a certain amount of time, I can get to the other side of my brain and that’s when I do my best work,” Hoyt said.
Today, Hoyt has painted thousands of pieces. Behind Hoyt’s home is a work room where many of her paintings are stacked wall to wall. Those do not include the ones she keeps inside of her home and car.
Artist’s identity
Hoyt is reluctant to talk about the awards she has won for her work and the recognized artists she has worked with. “I don’t need that dimension as an artist, and I don’t want it,” she said. She chose not to disclose that information because she wanted to maintain a strong identity as an artist.
But even more admirable than her talent and modesty is her outlook. When asked how the illness impacted her life – a question she hears frequently – she replied modestly. “I’m very grateful to God to have had 21 more years. A lot of people don’t survive what I had, but I did,” Hoyt said.
And with her time Hoyt decided to do something that she loved. She enjoys painting at Presbyterian Church and the YMCA in Zachary. There she can socialize with other artists and gain critiques, comments and ideas about her work. Hoyt began painting on 2-by-2 inch squares of paper and eventually expanded her work to larger tablets.
Hoyt said she enjoys all types of art, but she especially likes landscapes. Her technique seems to coincide much with her personality. “I’m not precise at all, I just go with the flow,” Hoyt said.
Humble attitude
Hoyt learned to adjust without the ease of her natural arms and legs. She says more than anything, it has changed her personality.
“I used to be quiet and shy, but now I figure if I don’t say what’s on my mind, I might not
have the chance. I talk and express my opinion more than I ever have,”
Hoyt said. Hoyt has maintained a humble attitude toward the change in her life and she hopes others that face illnesses can overcome as well. “I guess people feel sorry for me, but I don’t feel sorry for myself,” Hoyt said.
Hoyt’s miniature paintings will be available for display at the Zachary library during March and April. Those interested can contact her at 654-5722.
Comments
Posted by: Nina Kirk
Status: Guest |
Member since: | Date Posted: 23/Mar/2008 11:56:49
I was truly intrigued by the story and it's elements. The writer did an excellent job!