Living between art and multiple sclerosis
From Diagnosis to Discovery
Living with multiple sclerosis has transformed every aspect of my life: my pace, my limits, and the way I define strength. At first, losing control over my body felt like losing control over myself. Yet, as time passed, art slowly became my anchor. It offered space to breathe, to rebuild, and to reconnect with what truly matters.
In Her Quiet Bloom, a mixed media piece in abstract realism, was born from that fragile space between fear and acceptance. Through her, I wanted to capture a woman who radiates calm yet holds unshakable life within her. Her sun-kissed skin and bright orange hibiscus symbolize vitality, resilience, and the quiet power of blooming through pain.
Layers That Speak of Healing
Every layer of this painting carries meaning. First came collage, creating depth and grounding the figure. Then, watercolor added fluid emotion, while acrylic brought clarity and structure. Finally, oil unified it all, softening edges and blending imperfections. Together, these materials became a metaphor for my own journey: uneven, complex, and beautifully unfinished.
As I painted, I realized that healing doesn’t happen once; it happens constantly. Each stroke, each pause, and each decision to continue became an act of hope. Rather than resisting what I couldn’t control, I began to flow with it. Eventually, I found peace in accepting what remains and joy in shaping it into art.
Embracing Beauty in Stillness
Ultimately, In Her Quiet Bloom celebrates the strength that comes from stillness. Even when life slows us down, beauty still grows quietly inside us. With patience, we rediscover who we are; and with courage, we begin to heal again.
Join the Journey
If this reflection touches your heart, I’d love for you to join my newsletter. There, I share stories of resilience, creativity, and living artfully with chronic illness. Together, let’s honor the gentle strength that helps us bloom, even when life changes our path.
