Between Lupus and Lyme: A Journey Through Art

Between Lupus and Lyme: A Journey Through Art with hopes of raising awareness

As a visual artist, I find inspiration in the beauty and resilience of the human spirit, especially during times of adversity. May is a particularly poignant month for me, as it marks the awareness campaigns for both Lyme disease and Lupus. These conditions, often invisible to the eye, challenge and transform the lives of many, including my own. This year, I am thrilled to see that my efforts to raise awareness bear fruit and that my socially engaged artistic projects reach more and more people.

My canvases aren't just a surface for colors and shapes; they represent the space where my struggles, triumphs, and emotions intertwine to create something meaningful. I am not just a visual artist; I am a storyteller, and my medium extends beyond paint and ink—it includes poetry, sculpture, and every form of expression I can muster. My mission is to shed light on the invisible battles waged by those living with Lupus and Lyme disease.

My journey with these illnesses has been anything but straightforward. The symptoms, the pain, the uncertainty—they weave a complex tapestry that often goes unnoticed by those who haven't walked this path. Lupus, an autoimmune disease, and Lyme disease, a tick-borne illness, have challenged me in ways I never imagined. But through it all, art has been my refuge, my sanctuary, and my voice.

Acrylic paint becomes my solace as I navigate the ups and downs of Lupus or Lyme flares. The canvas absorbs my frustrations, my fears, and my hopes, translating them into vibrant hues and bold strokes. Each painting tells a story—a story of resilience, of perseverance, and of the beauty that can be found even in the darkest of times.

Ink flows freely from my pen as I pour my heart onto the page in poetry or create my drawings. Words and doodles become my weapon against the isolation and misunderstanding that often accompany chronic illness. Through my art, I give voice to the silent struggles, the invisible symptoms, and the relentless battles fought behind closed doors.

And then there's sculpture—a new addition to my artistic repertoire. With each piece I design, I mold not just form, but emotion. Sculpture allows me to sculpt my pain into something tangible, something that can be seen and felt by others. It's a visceral reminder that beauty can emerge from even the most broken of places.

But perhaps most importantly, my art serves as a platform for advocacy and awareness. Through exhibitions, social media, and community events, I strive to shine a spotlight on the often-overlooked realities of living with chronic illness. My hope is that by sharing my story, I can empower others to speak up, seek support, and never feel alone in their journey.

To those who are also navigating the challenging terrain of Lupus and Lyme disease, I want you to know that you are not alone. Your struggles are valid, your pain is real, and your voice matters. And to those who have yet to understand the full impact of these illnesses, I invite you to look beyond the surface—to see the person behind the symptoms, and to embrace empathy and understanding.

In the end, art has the power to transcend boundaries, to spark conversation, and to ignite change. And as long as I wield my brush, my pen, and my hands, I will continue to be a voice for those whose stories often go unheard. Because between Lupus and Lyme, there is art—and in art, there is healing, there is hope, and there is endless possibility.