The Art of Resiliency

In May 2010 the Social Art Gallery hosted artwork by Reinhard Straub in an exhibition titled "The Art of Resiliency." His art is heavily influenced by the experiences of his life, particularly his struggle with and treatment of substance abuse. "The Art of Resiliency" is currently exhibited in the Albany office of Family and Children's Service of the Capital Region.

-Artist Statement-

I didn’t get sober because I thought it was a good idea.

I truly believed that my only choice was to get well. It didn’t seem like it was up to me. The same is true when I try to plan a painting in my mind. First of all I have no choice but to complete the piece. The parallel doesn’t stop there. Nothing in my recovery has gone the way I thought it would. Unexpected events over which I had little control have shaped my life. The painting I did about the plane crash that killed my father and nearly killed me and my ex-wife seemed to paint itself. The paint did what it wanted, not what I commanded. I don’t think about recovery or painting as much as I experience and live it. I’m along for the ride doing the best I can just trying to be a better person. Humility is a key element of recovery as well as when an artist puts themselves on the public stage.

Being sober is a gift and privilege.
Being taken seriously as an artist is no different.