The portrait of Dr J: capturing the humanity and fragility behind the masks

In this Podcast we speak to artist Heath Roselli about her oil painting “Dr J” which was commissioned in May 2020 when a family friend asked her to create a painting depicting frontline staff in the pandemic. Originally Heath wanted to depict what it must be like to be put on a ventilator as a patient and to create a snapshot of dedicated staff in ITU. The painting has succeeded in so vividly capturing the sheer relentlessness of a prolonged pandemic together with the mental toll on NHS staff.

Heath’s diverse and powerful work has attracted national media attention. In particular, her compelling series of portraits painted for healing purposes and stigma removal associated with issues including self-harm, widowhood and cancer, have commanded international acclaim, having been featured in the Times, the Telegraph, the Daily Mail, ITV News and BBC Radio 2. In 1999.