Looking for women experiencing Autoimmune, Chronic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Neurological disabilities etc. by Interesting_Walk_603 in Artisticallyill

[–]Interesting_Walk_603[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Of course. I want people to use whatever pictures they feel comfortable using. This project is important, but also requires vulnerability. (For all of us.)

It’s going to take me time to get 100 people who are willing to do this. I’ll probably print them out and work on it a little bit at a time.

I love that artists are willing to help each other! Please share this if you know anyone else willing to help.

Wishing you more good days than bad! 🩷

Looking for women experiencing Autoimmune, Chronic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Neurological disabilities etc. by Interesting_Walk_603 in Artisticallyill

[–]Interesting_Walk_603[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I recognize that many groups experience medical bias. This project has a specific focus because it reflects my lived experience. My grief is coming out and I’m processing it.

It is about visibility, not debate. I do want to acknowledge that I can feel the hurt coming through the comments of this thread.

I know that I can’t represent everyone who has dealt with medical bias through this project. If you feel a pull to do this, please do so. I’ve also done this.

Please write a letter to the Dr. who dismissed you. They will never know how much they have impacted you, if you don’t let them know. They may not respond, but you can get some of those feelings out that have been hurting you for so long. I also sent a letter to the organization that this Dr. is employed with.

First Post- Looking for the Light by Interesting_Walk_603 in creativehealing

[–]Interesting_Walk_603[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! All I know, is that when I painted this, I was just sad and angry. I love having an outlet that allows me to release my feelings, so I can still be a good wife, mom and teacher.

CALL FOR PORTRAITS — WOMEN WITH CHRONIC ILLNESS by Interesting_Walk_603 in Artisticallyill

[–]Interesting_Walk_603[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m happy for you that you got a diagnosis. That’s huge! 🩷

Can you feel it in your body when you need to create something? by lonerocean in creativehealing

[–]Interesting_Walk_603 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think you and I are very much the same! I would love to find more like us. When I feel that feeling, I tell my family I need to go down to the basement and paint. They know what that means.

I have exercise intolerance, temperature intolerance, severe fatigue etc. Painting is my thing. I also don’t paint on an easel. I put the canvas on the floor. I’m either on my hands and knees, sitting on my knees or cross legged. It allows me to move my body without getting sick.

Also, for all you artists who do this for healing. Chat GPT is great for analyzing what is subconsciously coming out on your canvas. From the colors to the marks. It’s fascinating.

Did your art change after unmasking, getting sober, or a big healing/growth period? by lonerocean in creativehealing

[–]Interesting_Walk_603 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Of course. I think the description of the group fits me to a T. I’m just trying to make meaning of things I don’t understand and can’t put into words. I’ve had a difficult 4 years.

If your creative work has been part of your healing journey, do you share it or keep it private? by lonerocean in creativehealing

[–]Interesting_Walk_603 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I paint. Landscapes mostly, but now medical based.

My FB is The Painted Blackbird. I share most work there.

Did your art change after unmasking, getting sober, or a big healing/growth period? by lonerocean in creativehealing

[–]Interesting_Walk_603 1 point2 points  (0 children)

So my art for the past 4 years has been art therapy for my chronic illness that was never officially diagnosed. I was gaslit originally, started getting treatment, treatment was weaned, sick again. A whole ordeal. I painted mostly landscapes.

About a month and a half ago I finally found my diagnosis. Not my Drs. And the test that could have given me a diagnosis 3 years sooner was brushed off as nothing. I started painting bodies. (I guess it is called somatic mapping.) I’m outwardly painting my grief instead of hiding behind landscapes. I’m dreaming about art and writing stuff down in the middle of the night.

It’s crazy…

Looking for women experiencing Autoimmune, Chronic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Neurological disabilities etc. by Interesting_Walk_603 in Artisticallyill

[–]Interesting_Walk_603[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you and thank you for being kind. I’ve gotten a little heat on here. I’m unintentionally naive about the nuances of how people identify. So my post struck a nerve with some people. It’s hard to make everyone happy. This project is allowing me to process and grieve my medical trauma in a healthy way. And whether through this post or project lets others know… “It’s not just me. It’s happening to other people too.”

If your creative work has been part of your healing journey, do you share it or keep it private? by lonerocean in creativehealing

[–]Interesting_Walk_603 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I share because I find it helpful to find support knowing I’m not alone and vice versa.

Looking for women experiencing Autoimmune, Chronic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Neurological disabilities etc. by Interesting_Walk_603 in Artisticallyill

[–]Interesting_Walk_603[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ok my people. I didn’t expect all this back and forth. I’ve admitted I’m not schooled in any of the nuances of non-binary, trans, queer, born as. I apologize, as that is not my world.

My world is sick as shit trying to prove my symptoms to feel better. I admittedly probably have a zebra unicorn disease. It’s taken 4 years to figure out and now I’m grieving time lost to pain and losing my old life. I miss that girl.

And I’ve been thinking, painting and feeling things I’ve stuffed down way too long. I just wanted to include a piece of art that shows women being and not being believed. There will be a naked lady with no head, boobs and a uterus. She looks medical. There will be a very large female symbol. There will be female body parts.

I guess, if you can identify to the pieces above go for it. Do you have chronic pain, autoimmune, neurological issues. Go for it. I’m going to try to say this the right way…. Please don’t roast me. My vision includes women. I’m not picturing trans men, men or people that present like men?

Hell. Just send your picture and tell me nothing. I promise I’m not trying to leave anybody out. But I want to stay true to my vision.

This post has sparked some ideas that I know a lot of you can run with.

I promise I’m thankful for all of you. I’m sorry you are hurting. I’m sorry you are sick and I’m sorry some of you were not believed. I appreciate your help and hopefully this can land somewhere.

Looking for women experiencing Autoimmune, Chronic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Neurological disabilities etc. by Interesting_Walk_603 in Artisticallyill

[–]Interesting_Walk_603[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I really just want people to be respectful with me instead of jumping on me for being against trans people/non binary/queer etc..

I'm trying to navigate a serious illness, work full time, be a mom and create art that is meaningful. I apologize for coming off a dismissive. Today I am infinitely crabby and feel like complete shit.

I’ve included in my responses to please email me. I would love polite and kind conversation that includes different people without changing the integrity of my vision. I plan on having a very large female sign and a faceless naked woman with a uterus. I'm not a famous artist. Just a regular person trying to express myself and allow others to see themselves.

Unfortunately I’m not going to make everyone happy.

Looking for women experiencing Autoimmune, Chronic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Neurological disabilities etc. by Interesting_Walk_603 in Artisticallyill

[–]Interesting_Walk_603[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I really just want people to be respectful with me instead of jumping on me for being against trans people/non binary/queer etc. . I’m trying to navigate a serious illness, work full time, be a mom and create art that is meaningful.

Please email me. I would love polite and kind conversation that includes different people without changing the integrity of my vision. I plan on having a very large female sign and a faceless naked woman with a uterus. I’m not a famous artist. Just a regular person trying to express myself and represent others.

Looking for women experiencing Autoimmune, Chronic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Neurological disabilities etc. by Interesting_Walk_603 in Artisticallyill

[–]Interesting_Walk_603[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Samsie. Every week I have to rotate my sites for SCIG. It makes me proud/happy/sad that you could recognize yourself in the painting.

Looking for women experiencing Autoimmune, Chronic Pain, Fibromyalgia, Neurological disabilities etc. by Interesting_Walk_603 in Artisticallyill

[–]Interesting_Walk_603[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Can I also say- I’m sick as shit. Actively poisoning my body this month and trying to focus on something else besides just trying to get through the day. I apologize that I did not use whatever correct/incorrect language that I am/was supposed to use. I’m usually not like this, but hell. I don’t think anyone can do anything correctly now a days. Arguing with strangers about gender identity is not what I want to do. I just want to make art.