Looking at examples of autoimmune SciArt, I was inspired to create my own piece representing psoriasis. I had a fuzzy concept in mind: “nice” skin juxtaposed with a collage of junk mail to depict the problem area.
When my husband saw the underlying sketch and the flyers, and asked about the concept, he wondered aloud whether acceptance was perhaps kinder than considering a part of me as “junk”. I paused for a few beats, and set aside the Canadian Tire advertisements for a local gardening catalogue.
Did you know that sunflowers are a symbol of self-acceptance?
Me neither, but now I like thinking of the spots that way.
The piece was uploaded to Autoimmune Expressions, a virtual gallery on the Autoimmune Association’s website, wherein people can share their own experiences through visual art and poetry.
It was then selected from the project to take part in a group exhibit for the 2024 Autoimmune Community Reception on March 7, 2024, at the Sisley Austin Law Firm, Washington, DC.
campfire notebook. 