My name is Josephine Frenkel. 

I was born in the Netherlands in the 1950s.  I now live on the outskirts of Swansea.  I would like to share my “journey” with you.

For me, a significant year was 2016 when my photography and pictures were exhibited at Swansea’s Grand Theatre Arts Wing.  5 days after I had a serious heart attack.  Both my heart attack and my photography exhibits were reported in the local “Evening Post”.   That year was also a turning point in my spiritual life.

During the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic with everyone in and out of lockdowns, my youngest daughter collapsed and was rushed into intensive care.  She had been living with a serious eating disorder for some time.  I was told for two weeks that she wouldn’t pull through.  However, after three months in hospital and despite the odds against her, and with Covid-19 around, she miraculously survived.

With heightened stress and lockdowns, a new period of creativity began for me which was also therapeutic.  I tried my first ever painting.  I started experimenting with resin art and enjoyed painting more and more.  I made sets of coasters, each original and unique, and was delighted at how much they were appreciated.

My living room in my lovely, small cottage was the only space to do my art.  In 2021 my Christian church family donated materials and free labour to make possible the building of a studio in my garden.  The God of grace I had found in 2016 made the impossible become reality. 

During the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic with everyone in and out of lockdowns, my youngest daughter collapsed and was rushed into intensive care  In a short time and to the utter amazement of the medics, she was eating, talking and in her own strength walked out of the hospital.  During this period, I also had another heart procedure.

I had been through an incredibly scary, heart-breaking, but also glorious and joyful time.  Through all this, my art studio provided a therapeutic haven and a place which gave me my sanity and creativity.  I continued with my art.  I enjoyed my gift of a studio, which was beyond my dreams and not only helped my creativity but helped me avoid falling into the pit of worry and despair. 

I want to give back out of the riches I feel I have received.  So , we have decided, that we will give back to the community, through donating financial aid to projects ( wherever that need is at a particular time) and also doing workshops etc.

I am thankful to Adrian Rabey CEO of the VETERANS ENTERPRISE UK and the BRITISH TRAINING BOARD who offered enormous support and help to hold an exhibition of my art.  I also want to thank artists that have been an inspiration on this exiting journey.  I.e Kanella Ciraco, John Beckley, Rinske Douna, Molly's Artistry, and Swarez .

 Nothing is impossible with God.  The journey continues.  Thank you for taking the time to read “My Journey”.

If you want to join me on this journey, I would love to hear from you.  You can pray, donate, and purchase pieces of art or get involved in displaying my art in some way.

Jo Frenkel

You can learn more about Jo’s art or make purchases

by visiting

   KOINONIA STUDIO 

on

https://www.facebook.com/Koinonia-Studioart-109096887688138