Transforming Pain into Beauty with MS

Living between art and multiple sclerosis

Art transforms our experience, giving it shape and reinterpreting our pain as an expression of strength and resilience. For instance, I use creativity to challenge the physical, social, and emotional limitations associated with multiple sclerosis. Particularly, mixed media painting has served me to express my daily struggles as well as my victories.

Acrylic artwork of a rock formation (wave breaker) next to Domes Beach.

Painting before the transformation

Layers of Emotion

The key here is to be willing to explore our creativity and to express authentically. We must give ourselves the opportunity to experiment with the materials we have at hand. For example, I love art with many different textures. When facing a canvas, I start with paper. A side note: I love paper, especially aged paper with cursive writing.

First layers of the mixed media painting A Love-Infused Horizon.

Starting the process of transformation by applying paper to the canvas

I feel immense pleasure in beginning my paintings by adding paper to the canvas or whatever surface I’m painting on. Not everything I do to “activate” the canvas is visible in the final product, but the layers are there. It’s part of the process to achieve the results I want.

They might not be visible, but they can be felt. It’s like living with multiple sclerosis. Not everything we feel is visible to the naked eye, but it’s there. These are processes we must go through to create the final product, and it’s in our hands to determine what that product will be.

Starting to add color to the sky in the mixed media painting A Love-Infused Horizon.

Adding color by using inks and a silicone spatula

Beauty in the Darkness

With each brushstroke, I celebrate the beauty I find in the darkest moments. Each stroke is a step in the direction of the creative escape that art and creativity allow us. For in the act of creating something beautiful, we find meaning.

Despite the challenges of living with multiple sclerosis, art can help us find beauty and gratitude in the simple, everyday moments of life.