Darlene Jaman was an educated and experienced artist. Then, on September 29, 1984, Darlene died and was resuscitated during a freak scuba diving accident off the coast of California. The core NDE she experienced during this traumatic episode shifted her paradigm and has had a lasting effect on her artwork.

The painting Darlene is donating to IANDS for auction at the Thursday night Banquet is “Heavenly Lights,” her artistic impression of her NDE. It measures 20 x 20 inches, is signed by Darlene, and includes a CD of Darlene describing her NDE. A similar version of this painting—and about twice the size, suitable for industrial installations—hangs in the permanent collection of The Disney Cancer Center.

“For me painting is a process of total surrender, to a power greater than myself. Letting go of all preconceived ideas. When it works, the space between me and the canvas becomes one with the Divine ~ I disappear. And my memory of Heaven opens my heart to find my fingers working in color, in passion and in bliss. When the mood changes, color deepens or lightens to break through…awed by the mystery of it all. My goal as an artist is to give my paintings the power to call the spirit back.”

Currently, Darlene resides in Venice, California. She can be reached by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or by phone at 323.935.9354

 "Heavenly Lights"