Using Art to Transform the Narrative of Chronic Illness

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I became an artist only after I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.

Face Off 2, solar etching of the artist and the artist's brain

I want to share with you the story of the moment my art practice began: my first MRI.

The MRI is an neuroimaging process that is used to diagnose and track progression of neurological diseases. I was curious and moved by the fact that MRIs were not a neutral act for me. During the proceedure, I had to lie down and go into a machine that was very similar to a coffin. It’s a narrow tunnel - you go in, like being buried. It was the closest I’d ever come to confronting death.

The sound of the machine surrounded me. Deafening noise; it was frightening and unpleasant.

This would be my first of many MRIs.

MRIs of the artist's brain

The actual images of my brain were terrifying, incomprehensible, and mysterious.

That experience made me realize that most people who are diagnosed with MS after they have an MRI - it is a symbol for MS.

I immediately knew what I wanted to do with art - to do something with my MRIs, so that people could be curious about the brain and find the beauty in it. I realized I needed to transform my experience of both the MRI and MS.

I infused my own MRIs with vibrant color, transforming the black and white images into an image full of life and promise.

Emerging, 2009, solar plate etching, coronal view of the neo-cortex of the artist's brain

Carousel, digital collage of hand pulled prints of the artist's brain

In addition to my visual artwork, I converted the ugly noises of the machine into something that people would find compelling, almost sacred.

I sampled the noise and composed a sound file, a mesmerising, musical clip - and what to you know, I actually enjoy listening to it now.

When I look back on the dark tunnel of the MRI machine, I can see color and light where before there was nothing. It is my hope that my artwork inspires others to gaze directly into the face of their illness, and see the beauty of the imperfect brain.