Invisible, Not Imaginary explores the body as a vessel for the Human Experience. By using abstracted anatomy and disability aesthetics to visually communicate the pain that I live with daily, I am addressing the social stigmas that surround people who live in chronically ill bodies. 

Twenty years ago, I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, a neurological disorder that causes chronic, widespread pain throughout the body.  Despite our daily suffering, those of us who live with invisible illnesses and physical disabilities move through our lives pretending to be “fine”, hoping that we won’t be unfairly judged by people who do not understand.  Even in clinical settings, while seeking relief from our symptoms, we have been  told that “It’s all in our head”, and that our pain is in fact, imaginary. 

This body of work has evolved out of my feelings of frustration about the limitations that my body imposes upon me.  No matter how strong and determined my mind is, the flesh and blood vessel that I inhabit hinders my creative drive. In this exhibition, I hope to bring awareness to the experience of living in daily pain, while spreading compassion and grace for those of us who do.