Connections 2 (2005)

About the Artist:
My fascination with everything other than what I was 'supposed to be' fascinated with has followed me through out my life, it is with this 'chosen fascination' that I found my way through a turbulent, but never boring life. I was forbidden to draw from a very young age, and that only fuelled my need to express my thoughts and dreams. I taught myself to speak through my artwork, creating personal language that only I understood ... or so I thought!

I've spent most of my life on a medical rollercoaster planning my escape from the limitations that have been ‘imposed’ upon me. The more I was told that I couldn't do something, the more I had to prove them wrong. I had to do 'it' because 'they' said I couldn't and this plan of attack kept me quite busy defeating 'my medical intruders'. Then one day I woke up ready to tackle my daily list for life, only to realize that I had defeated myself instead. I was ready to start but my body had shut down. I had no strength to do anything ... the next five years would prove to be a tremendous challenge.

The first 18 months I was tested and retested. I was beginning to believe that I would never work again, or walk, that I'd never be what I once was.

As I digested all my thoughts, I decided I had to find a way through myself to myself. I realized that I may not be able to be 100% of what I used to be, but that didn't mean that I couldn't be 100% of a new me, so I decided to make friends with my new roommates. The oldest one's name is Endometriosis, when he moved in I was 10 years old. The new additions are called Chronic Fatigue & Immune Deficiency Syndrome, and Fibromyalgia topped with Chronic migraines. It was getting a little crowded. Then my creative self jumped to my rescue.

Artist's Statement:
I began doodling and colouring, which promptly moved on to painting large and colourful canvasses ... it was amazing. I had never allowed that part of myself much access to my life. I kept drawing, painting, and sketching, eventually turning back to inks and graphite, two media I feel very connected to. I began to trust my creative self much more than my "football team of doctors". From there I arrived at Haida Pole, Dream Catcher, Blackwolf Whitewolf and I found me, I had my own language. I could finally tell 'my' story 'my way', from being a street kid at a very young age, to where I am now, and from now, to where ever the Spirits take me ... see you there!

Oh, and just in case you missed it ... I am a story teller too.