Creating Art During a Flare-Up: Managing Chronic Illness as an Artist

Being an artist is often about channeling experiences, emotions, and sensations into creative work. But for those of us living with chronic illnesses like Lyme disease or Lupus, the path to creativity can be full of physical and mental hurdles. During flare-ups—when symptoms intensify and daily activities become more difficult—continuing to create art might seem impossible. Yet, I’ve found that it is during these challenging moments that my art becomes most meaningful. Here’s how I manage my creative process during flare-ups and turn these difficult periods into an integral part of my practice.

Listening to My Body

One of the most important lessons I've learned as an artist living with chronic illness is to listen closely to my body. Pushing through pain might be an instinct, especially when working on a project that I’m passionate about, but it can often lead to longer periods of recovery. Instead, I’ve developed a practice of checking in with myself regularly. Some days, this means limiting the time I spend working on a piece to just 20 or 30 minutes, while on other days, I might be able to immerse myself for longer stretches. By respecting my physical limits, I maintain a balance that allows me to keep creating, even if it’s at a slower pace.

Adapting My Techniques and Tools

When a flare-up hits, adapting my techniques is crucial. For example, on days when pain in my hands and arms is too severe for detailed work with fine tools or brushes, I switch to looser, more fluid movements. This can involve working with larger brushes or even using my hands directly to create textures. In my ink drawings, I might embrace a more abstract style, letting the ink flow freely on the paper as I let my body’s movements dictate the process. With my sculptural work, I sometimes use softer materials that are gentler on my hands, like lightweight clay, instead of the thousands of pins and needles that are central to other pieces.

Embracing the Healing Power of Art

Art has always been a way for me to express the inexpressible, especially when it comes to the pain of living with conditions like Lyme and Lupus. During flare-ups, creating becomes a form of therapy. The repetitive motions of drawing or sculpting can be meditative, providing a sense of calm and focus even as my body rebels against me. There’s a kind of release that comes with turning pain into something tangible—whether it’s the sharp, prickly sensation of a needle in a sculpture or the dark, inky swirls on paper that mimic the waves of discomfort

Adjusting My Creative Space for Comfort

Making adjustments to my studio setup has been another key to working during flare-ups. I’ve reconfigured my workspace to ensure I can work while seated or even reclining on particularly bad days. An ergonomic chair, soft cushions, and a desk that can be raised or lowered make a world of difference when pain flares up in my joints. I also keep a stash of heating pads and ice packs nearby to soothe aching muscles while I work. Sometimes, just knowing that my space is ready to support me through a difficult day gives me the encouragement to get started.

Redefining Productivity and Success

Living with a chronic illness has completely shifted how I define productivity. Instead of focusing on how much I can produce in a day or week, I now celebrate the moments when I can create at all, even if it’s just a single sketch or a few notes for a future piece. I remind myself that art is not about constant output but about honest expression. Chronic illness has taught me to slow down, to find beauty in the smaller moments, and to appreciate the creative process for what it is—a journey, not a race.

Finding Support and Community

One of the greatest comforts during flare-ups has been connecting with other artists who understand what it’s like to create through the challenges of chronic illness. Sharing experiences, tips, and encouragement with others—whether online or in the Montreal art community—has helped me feel less isolated. It’s a reminder that I’m not alone in this experience, and that our stories, told through art, have a powerful way of connecting us all.

Turning Pain Into Purpose

My art has is my way to give shape to the pain that often feels invisible to the outside world. Whether I’m creating sculptural pieces that represent the altered sensations, fluorescent paintings or drawing abstract forms that convey the waves of discomfort I experience, I’ve found purpose in using my work to raise awareness about invisible illnesses like Lyme and Lupus. These flare-ups, though physically draining, have deepened my understanding of my own resilience and the power of art to communicate complex emotions.

Final Thoughts: Finding Beauty in the Struggle

Creating art during a flare-up isn’t easy, but it’s become an integral part of my artistic practice. Each piece I make during these times is a testament to the strength it takes to keep going, to keep expressing, even when my body feels like it’s fighting against me. For anyone out there living with a chronic illness and struggling to find space for their creativity, remember this: you don’t have to create like anyone else. Your process, slow or fast, structured or spontaneous, is uniquely yours, and it is valid.

I hope this post helps others find comfort and inspiration in their own creative journeys, no matter what challenges they face. Art is a powerful tool for healing, and even in our toughest moments, it can be a way to find beauty in the struggle.