This is an outlet. I live with chronic pain and illness, and it has been well over a decade since I knew what it was like to be comfortable; to exist within a reliable physical entity. I have battled intermittent struggles with almost every single system of my body, and it has marked me. I have experienced regular ageism, sexism, condescension for being single and childfree, body shaming, have witnessed racism and nearly lost a job over my silent protest, was advised to drop out of grad school while sitting in a wheelchair, and been the regular target of the weak male ego in response to my composure, strength, and success. I've moved to places unknown several times, with the wind at my back, landing on my feet.
I require humor (and animals) to survive. Laughter isn't always the best medicine (source and intent are critically important, but let's not get too deep here). I have the right to exist, persist, inhabit my space, and do good things. While I do not jump at the chance to identify as an artist, dabbling in that life more and more has been enriching and affirming. It has broadened my perspective, filled my passport, and given me a voice. It's a true loss to the United States that the arts are treated as optional, frivolous pursuits, as creative, sensitive people are key to our survival as a group.
So this is me, dabbling, snarking, eye-rolling; surviving, enjoying, persevering. There's a reason it's called Other Work, I'm an other, and wouldn't ever change that (anymore).
One of the elements of the DIS/CLOSURE exhibit was a group of images and items representing coping with chronic illness. Since humor is key to my coping/thriving, I put together this YouTube playlist. Enjoy and/or learn! (Note: I may not endorse the related videos YouTube insists on suggesting.)
