Diane V. Radel It is no small miracle that enrolling in art classes at 60 changed my life. However, it took a primordial experience to deepen my sense of interconnectedness with the universe. I had an epiphany while witnessing a sea turtle return to her birthplace to nest, and then finding her tracks in the sand. In those moments, I felt the most profound connection to this mama turtle and every living thing throughout time. The miracle of creating life, and the energy that cascades from nature, has left me deeply and profoundly moved. Patterns have fascinated me since I was a child, and bring a sense of order and harmony in this crazy world. The patterns specific to each type of sea turtle, and the path of each individual mother, inspired me to share them in a series titled Turtle Tracks Art. While I take the subject of my artwork seriously, I paint in an abstract manner, using “uplifting” colors, full of vitality and positivity. There is a symbolic, as well as actual, beauty in the topographical nature of the tracks’ patterns. A combination of art and design that brings to mind a sense of familiarity. Art becomes a way of expressing your true self, and becomes a shared experience. It connects the viewer with the moment and something bigger than themselves. We know that visual messages have a far greater impact than words alone. The artist, as a messenger, has a unique responsibility to invite interpretation, empowerment, respect—and action. I believe my artwork has great potential in a time of 24-hour images and 30-second reactions, to be an authentic, lasting exploration of our global community’s hope for the future. I have exhibited in juried national and international shows, and my artwork is in private collections both, locally and abroad. Donating paintings to be auctioned for charitable fundraisers, particularly organizations that spark advocacy in ocean/sea turtle conservation and child welfare, is my way of giving back in my “second act.”