The invisibility of something doesn’t make it easier to handle, but it can allow you to grow into a true form of yourself.  The invisible disease known as arthritis has overtaken my body since I was three and a half. Having a battle over my body that no one can see or feel has broken me down to points of frustration, anger, sadness, and hopelessness. Leaving me distraught and confused on how to accept, love, and care for a body that is fighting against itself. With my own self determination and the help of a few close loved ones I fought through the doubters, bullies, and my own mind to come to a place of love, confidence, and acceptance for my total body, mind, and spirit. I want to share my story of overcoming an invisible struggle with others to hopefully inspire them to find their own place of love and acceptance of who they are and to continue to better themselves.
Choosing the process of adhering the photo onto fabric and wiping away the paper to reveal the image added to the meaning behind my concept. The unknowing of how the images would appear is similar to the unpredictability of my life living with disease that changes from day to day. Using fabric as my base allowed for myself to use a medium that many people; including myself at one point, use to hide their insecurities. While I use the fabric to bring to the fore front part of my journey and the people that helped to love and accept my body for the beauty that it is.