Nursing journal features UF nurse’s art

Marking the first time in its 100-year history that a single artist has been highlighted twice in the same issue, The American Journal of Nursing has featured the artwork of University of Florida registered nurse H. Robert Kolb, R.N., on its cover and in its Art of Nursing section.

Kolb, a clinical programs coordinator in the division of cardiovascular medicine at UF’s College of Medicine, has studied Chinese painting, calligraphy and digital art. He describes his work as “a path to healing” and a way to “reclaim the magic of nursing.” His digital media, giclée print, “Drumming Her into Existence,” was chosen for the cover of the journal’s April issue and depicts the shamanistic aspect of healing.

“The ‘her’ of the title is the Earth Mother; we drum her into being with the beating of our hearts,” Kolb said. “We drum her in our healing rituals; we drum her together in community. This sense of connection to one another and whatever each of us calls ‘spirit’ is vital both to health and to art.”

“Chromoon Music,” also a digital media, giclée print, is displayed in the journal’s Art of Nursing section.

The idea for the latter piece came to Kolb while he was working on a genetics research project.

“As I was preparing to run a genetics protocol, I began looking at chromosomal representations of the human genome, when it struck me that they looked very much like calligraphy,” he explained in the journal. “They seemed to dance before me, and I saw a rhythm within them.

“I layered the chromosomal images with random strips of ECG printout to create a ‘score,’ and manipulated the result digitally until the colors ‘arrived,’” he added. “The result is meant to be a kind of primordial lullaby.”

To see Kolb’s artwork, visit Palmstone studio Web site at www.palmstone.com.