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Diagnosed With A Rare Disease And Struggling With Chronic Pain, I Finally Found Joy In Creating Art
In 2015 I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called Ankylosing Spondylitis. Much like with any sickness, as long as you can function, you’d rather just not deal with it and unfortunately for me, the symptoms got to the point that I could no longer ignore them. After struggling with chronic pain for several years, the inflammation in my joints and tendons began to spread, and eventually, I had to quit my job since I was unable to walk, and for 5 months I was housebound.
Due to these health issues, I turned to art therapy as a means of coping with reality and the oil paintings I created whilst struggling to find purpose and meaning during those tough times are what remain of my initial battles with the disease. My latest portrait painting collection, “Off the Grid”, combines my love for art with travel by juxtaposing portraits with beautiful landscapes. The model’s gazes offer insight into their personalities and reveal an air of disconnectedness with an undercurrent of nostalgia – in other words, they seek to escape their reality and to travel to those distant places painted across their faces.
These beautiful paintings have become a constant reminder to me to be brave in the face of adversity and to pursue worthwhile goals that make me feel alive. Since being properly diagnosed, I’m now taking the proper medications to suppress the negative symptoms and I’m on the path to recovery.
More info: beaubernierfrank.com | Instagram | Tumblr | Facebook
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JohnDediu 8 years ago
It's cool and modern. The faces are expressive and photogenic, and the body postures are dynamic. I like the contrast between inside - outside world, shades of grey vs color. Also the bad boy approach is rebellious and youthful. Keep up the good work.
BeauFrank (Post author) 8 years ago
cheers mate! I used to do a lot of illustrative work of pen on paper but eventually I decided to try something different. I didn't feel like painting landscapes and I wasn't quite comfortable painting faces so i thought I'd keep things interesting and bring my graphic design background and do a contemporary take on portraiture! I kept the backgrounds white to simplify the paintings and make the faces pop out!
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MaureenZappellini 8 years ago
Bravo! You certainly have talent- I'm glad you have found your artwork helps you through your chronic pain- I also suffer from severe chronic pain (still not definitely diagnosed after 5+ years of constant nerve pain...I go for another EMG next week - hoping for some answers) I Also find my solace in making art- I am a metalsmith- one of the only times I am not consumed with pain is when I am at my workbench- Concentrating on artwork is incredibly powerful and therapeutic- I'm glad you have found good pain management (so difficult to find a Dr who actually understands) Keep up your painting and drawing! very inspiring!
BeauFrank (Post author) 8 years ago
I hope everything works out for you! It can be difficult to endure the day to day when there is a constant struggle for your attention. The mind tends to wander and become distracted so harnessing your pain and expressing it through art can help with the healing process–but it sounds like you already knew that haha. It took me a while to put a name on my disease-- 7 different doctors, countless physical therapists, chiropractors, online searches, and it wasn't until a specialist ordered me 12 different blood tests that I discovered the culprit. Unfortunately I lost my job and my independence but I'm fortunate to have had friends and family by my side and my art gave me courage and purpose. Keep up the good work Maureen and I hope it gets better!
Load More Replies...
JohnDediu 8 years ago
It's cool and modern. The faces are expressive and photogenic, and the body postures are dynamic. I like the contrast between inside - outside world, shades of grey vs color. Also the bad boy approach is rebellious and youthful. Keep up the good work.
BeauFrank (Post author) 8 years ago
cheers mate! I used to do a lot of illustrative work of pen on paper but eventually I decided to try something different. I didn't feel like painting landscapes and I wasn't quite comfortable painting faces so i thought I'd keep things interesting and bring my graphic design background and do a contemporary take on portraiture! I kept the backgrounds white to simplify the paintings and make the faces pop out!
Load More Replies... MaureenZappellini 8 years ago
Bravo! You certainly have talent- I'm glad you have found your artwork helps you through your chronic pain- I also suffer from severe chronic pain (still not definitely diagnosed after 5+ years of constant nerve pain...I go for another EMG next week - hoping for some answers) I Also find my solace in making art- I am a metalsmith- one of the only times I am not consumed with pain is when I am at my workbench- Concentrating on artwork is incredibly powerful and therapeutic- I'm glad you have found good pain management (so difficult to find a Dr who actually understands) Keep up your painting and drawing! very inspiring!
BeauFrank (Post author) 8 years ago
I hope everything works out for you! It can be difficult to endure the day to day when there is a constant struggle for your attention. The mind tends to wander and become distracted so harnessing your pain and expressing it through art can help with the healing process–but it sounds like you already knew that haha. It took me a while to put a name on my disease-- 7 different doctors, countless physical therapists, chiropractors, online searches, and it wasn't until a specialist ordered me 12 different blood tests that I discovered the culprit. Unfortunately I lost my job and my independence but I'm fortunate to have had friends and family by my side and my art gave me courage and purpose. Keep up the good work Maureen and I hope it gets better!
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