PA Woman Captures the Uninsured in Portraits

A Unique Artistic Mission

Theresa Brown Gold has painted the faces of more than 100 uninsured individuals, bringing their stories to life through her art. Her project, which began four years ago, has taken her on a one-day blitz through Bucks County, showcasing her work at four different stops. Gold's dedication to this cause is evident in her actions, as she stood with her paintings outside the US Supreme Court on the day the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was upheld. Prior to that, she spent five months demonstrating in front of the US Capitol.

Art as a Catalyst for Conversation

Gold is a staunch supporter of the ACA, but she emphasizes that her work is not meant to be co-opted into a political message. "I am not here to get someone reelected. I didn’t start this project four years ago thinking, ‘How can I use this to get someone reelected?’ I started it because I wanted to know, and the project completely pulled me in," Gold says. Her goal is to use her art to prompt a conversation about healthcare, hoping that such discussions will inform people's votes.

The Power of Portrait Oil Painting

Gold's medium of choice is portrait oil painting, a traditional and expressive form that allows her to capture the essence of her subjects. By putting a face to the issue of uninsured Americans, she hopes to humanize the statistics and bring attention to the personal stories behind the numbers. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 8.6% of Americans, or about 28 million people, were uninsured in 2020 (source).

Future Plans and Continued Advocacy

After the election, Gold plans to focus more on her art and less on demonstrating. However, she acknowledges that she will continue to document stories about healthcare. Her commitment to this cause is unwavering, and she believes that her art can make a difference in how people perceive and discuss healthcare issues.

Interesting Statistics

• As of 2020, approximately 28 million Americans were uninsured (source).
• The uninsured rate among non-Hispanic Whites was 5.4%, while it was 18.3% among Hispanics and 10.4% among Blacks (source).
• The ACA has helped reduce the number of uninsured Americans by approximately 20 million since its implementation in 2010 (source).

Conclusion

Theresa Brown Gold's portraits of the uninsured serve as a powerful reminder of the human faces behind the healthcare debate. Her work transcends political boundaries, aiming to foster a deeper understanding and conversation about the importance of healthcare for all. As she continues her artistic journey, Gold remains committed to highlighting the stories of those without health insurance, ensuring their voices are heard and their experiences are acknowledged.