Tag Archives: #artforarachnoiditis

The Art of Managing Inflammation

THIS IS A FOLLOW UP TO MY PREVIOUS POSTS ON THIS TOPIC.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE IF I REPEAT MYSELF.

THESE PERSONAL COPING TOOLS ARE NOT MEDICAL ADVICE AND ARE NOT INTENDED AS TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR ARACHNOIDITIS OR ANY OTHER CONDITION

Every case of arachnoiditis is different. What works for me may not work for you. On a very basic level, inflammation is at the root of arachnoiditis symptoms. Life with arachnoiditis is an ongoing evaluation of risks vs. benefits. Because there are so few resources it requires attention to our own bodies and how they respond to certain circumstances. It has been fifteen years since the initial injury that brought arachnoiditis into my life. Over this time, I have paid very close attention to what triggers inflammation for me. As I am not a candidate for invasive procedures and chemical interventions and pharmaceuticals create more problems than benefits, this attentiveness has been the best method for me to have an independently manageable life. 

Arachnoiditis pain and neurological dysfunction made me feel like I was being attacked by gravity and the rest of the external world. Every. Day. This spinal cord injury and its systemic consequences depleted my body and made me vulnerable to environmental things and socio-cultural habits that most people I knew never had to worry about.

I cannot refer you to ONE specific resource as research for my personal needs has been quite extensive via many assorted nutrition and wellness practices, holistic methods, medical guidance, and random keyword-based online searches when I fall down that rabbit hole. The life changes I have made have included a lot of trial and error with cumulative beneficial outcomes that evolved over time. So, I have to warn that attempts to change everything all at once is setting yourself up for disappointment, failure, or added medical complications. Slow changes and adjustments have always worked best for me.

Read it again: Slow changes and adjustments have always worked best for me.

Keeping a list and a journal of changes and outcomes was also an informative daily practice.

[ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR TRUSTED PRACTITIONER PRIOR TO STOPPING OR CHANGING ANY TREATMENT PLAN THAT YOU MAY BE FOLLOWING AT THIS TIME.]

After the Cleveland Clinic diagnosed me with consequential CRPS in my left leg, I happened to find a video that talked about controlling the inflammation of CRPS via an anti-inflammatory menu. After approximately six months following that plan with successful outcomes for my leg, I also began to notice that I was able to be vertical for a longer amount of time before the usual onset of low CSF symptoms. To me, this indicated that the inflammation in the subarachnoid space must be subsiding a bit, too. I don’t know if that conclusion is factually, medically, or scientifically true. I just know that in my own body the outcome was a good one.

There are a plethora of online suggestions for anti-inflammatory menus and diets. In my experience, these are personal choices specific to my own body, I had to make the effort to pay attention to how my body reacted to certain foods. It’s a useful starting point but any general menu/diet “plan” can only serve as guidance for a place to begin. In the end, my body was the one with all the answers. As with delayed repercussions of physical exertion, the impact of any given food was not always immediate. Sometimes, I wouldn’t notice any issues until the day after…or it would be a cumulative result of a combination of foods. Keeping in mind that external factors beyond my control could have an impact on pain and inflammation, the journal I kept still helped me to identify certain patterns related to what I consumed. (As the skin is the largest organ and absorbs many things, “consumption” includes products that I put ON my body, too.)

What I feed my mind and spirit also matters. It is important to go gently with these discoveries.

There is no cure for arachnoiditis. Symptom management is key. Though I am not qualified to explain the science behind it or prescribe a management plan for anyone, I can share what I have discovered through my own observations.

Things that trigger inflammation/pain for me:

  • Too much vertical time (Scar tissue blocks the natural rotation/exchange of CSF in the subarachnoid space)
  • Home Cleaning and Hygiene products that contain neurotoxins and other toxic chemicals.
  • Candles and air fresheners that contain neurotoxins and other toxic chemicals.
  • Chemicals released from products and packaging in department stores 
  • Toxic and “Non-toxic” Art Supplies (“Non-toxic” is a relative term)
  • Chemicals and “additives” in medical treatments, pharmaceuticals, and supplements
  • Gluten
  • Sugar
  • Artificial Sweeteners (i.e. aspartame)
  • Polyethelene glycol (in Miralax and other FDA approved products and medications)
  • Polysorbates (FDA approved for use in food and hygiene products)
  • Nightshade vegetables (tomatoes, potatoes, egg plant, etc.) Eventually, I was able to resume having these in small quantities if I was careful NOT to do it in a week when I had been exposed to other triggers. 
  • Foods that feed candida overgrowth

Candida overgrowth causes inflammation. Gastroparesis and/or low digestive motility increase the risk of candida overgrowth. Candida overgrowth became a consequential issue with a variety of symptoms that took me a while to figure out. Eventually, I did a full cycle of candida control menu adjustments to the anti-inflammatory menu I had already been following for over a year. Over time, I have found my own way to keep things in balance to minimize the extreme symptoms that were happening when candida first became part of my vocabulary. Subsequently, I noticed that there was also a reduction in the frequency and intensity of the neurological symptoms of arachnoiditis.

There are many online resources and books to explain a Candida Control Menu/diet….and what it actually does. Of the ones I read, it seemed the basic information was quite similar and the general guidelines were direct and easy to follow…usually.

I still have arachnoiditis symptoms every day. I still have to weigh the risks and benefits of daily choices for things that most people never even think about. BUT, for me, these choices are the least-invasive, least-toxic, most-successful management option.

The Risks

Normal life is inundated with chemicals to the point that it is rare to even notice the impact they are having on our bodies… until we start getting away from them. I didn’t realize the extremes of this until after about a year or so of making my own hair care products, I walked into a bathroom that was full of freshly showered Pantene hair products. The need to vomit was almost immediate. This, and similar items, were products I had once used daily.

In our society stepping away from “normal” environmental hazards, social behaviors, and eating habits can be an extremely isolating choice.

The impulse and effort to explain myself to others became exhausting until I learned how empowering a simple, “No, Thank You.” can be.

In Western culture, sugar and gluten are a huge part of our consumption. Time management and attention to details are factors in finding items without these ingredients.

Many “gluten-free” products contain added sugar. Going without gluten means their is a need to make sure that calorie and nutrient intake normally provided by healthy gluten is replaced with other nutritious foods.

Quitting sugar caused withdrawals. For me, sugar was a physical and emotional addiction that clearly exacerbated my other symptoms. Removing it from my daily life was, and still is, a big challenge. It isn’t just about the treats and sweets. Excluding raw foods, sugar is added into almost every food product we “normally” buy. The best bet was to avoid all processed foods as much as possible.

The Candida Control Menu was a long and difficult adjustment. In the beginning there were withdrawal symptoms, depression, and precautions against the herxheimer reaction that can occur with the candida die off. Self-compassion is important. Knowing that I was giving my body safe and valuable nutrients didn’t change the fact that it can be difficult to follow all of the “rules” all of the time. Though I have returned to many of the unsweetened foods I would normally consume, I do find that a need to revisit this menu happens a few times a year so that I can maintain a healthy balance and keep inflammation at a more manageable level.

For me, inflammation anywhere in my body has an impact on the other parts. It’s all connected. Some Old and New Bits from My Research

THESE PERSONAL COPING TOOLS ARE NOT MEDICAL ADVICE AND ARE NOT INTENDED AS TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR ARACHNOIDITIS OR ANY OTHER CONDITION

The Art for Arachnoiditis Project and SheilaLynnK Art Studio are in no way affiliated with any of the links/resources shared on this page.

THANK YOU! 2015 in review

2015 Year In Review Map
Providing Healing Support for Survivors

Thank you for your support this year!

Fiscally sponsored by the New York Foundation for the Arts, The Art For Arachnoiditis Project is working to Empower Spinal Arachnoiditis Survivors via participation in the Arts. This website is dedicated to providing healing support to fellow Survivors.

With your help this project becomes a valuable resource to Arachnoiditis Survivors around the world…93 Countries! We couldn’t do it without you.

FUND YEAR 2 ~ It’s tax deductible AT
NYFA [The New York Foundation For the Arts].Or by check payable to the New York Foundation for the Arts, Memo: The Art For Arachnoiditis Project mailed to: SheilaLynnK Art Studio, 345 South Main Street, Wellsville, NY 14895.

Contributions of $2500 or more must be accompanied by a Contribution Letter

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2015 annual report for artforarachnoiditis.org. Check it out to see how we’ve been doing!

Here’s an excerpt:

A New York City subway train holds 1,200 people. This blog was viewed about 4,900 times in 2015. If it were a NYC subway train, it would take about 4 trips to carry that many people.

Click here to see the complete report.

Independent Publications by Survivors

Cover Image for Still Standing Sometimes (Part 1)
Cover Image for Still Standing Sometimes (Part 1)

ISBNs Needed!

I have finished the written aspect of this publication.

Introduction excerpt:

“Hearing of many more cases of uncompensated Arachnoiditis while struggling both physically and financially, as well as, in numerous other aspects of my life; in the end, I felt compelled to present this case to the Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court….The details of that pro se appeal follow.” ~slk

When I reach the $200 per release mark on my Patreon Page and/or Pending adequate funding, I will purchase an ISBN for this publication so that it can become an affordable resource for Arachnoiditis Survivors working toward accountability for this preventable medical injury. This publication will be free to all who subscribe to the Art For Arachnoiditis Project Newsletter.  Proceeds from any purchase of the publication will be invested in the project.

The Art For Arachnoiditis Project YEAR 2 Budget includes ISBNs for this and other Independent Publication for and by other Arachnoiditis Survivors. We can get 10 ISBNs for $295. Tax-Deductible Contributions made via my fiscal sponsor, The New York Foundation for the Arts, also Support the purchase of ISBNs for Survivor Publication.

Still Standing, Sometimes Part 2: Survivors’ Stories from the Art For Arachnoiditis Project will be Sheila’s Adaptability and Survivor story into Creative Wellness with a collection of all of the stories entered in Year 1 of the Art For Arachnoiditis Project.

Still Standing, Sometimes Part 3: Survivors’ Stories from the Art For Arachnoiditis Project will be a collection of all of the stories entered in Year 2 of the Art For Arachnoiditis Project.

The Survivors’ Exhibit is an art book for the coffee table featuring a collection of all works displayed at the project exhibits during Year 1  of the project.

Survivors Exhibit Art book In progress
Survivors’ Exhibit Art Book ON SALE NOW

SUBSCRIBE TO RECEIVE PROJECT NEWS AND BUDGET UPDATES IN YOUR EMAIL

ALSO STILL IN THE WORKS

Creative Pain Managment
Activity Book {PREVIEW and BUY IT NOW}

Thanks to patrons on my Patreon Page ; we have reached the $50 per release goal which allows me to purchase an ISBN for this Publication. (updated April 25, 2015)

The Creative Pain Management Assessment and Activity Book is NOW Available for purchase for ONLY $15. 

When I get to $400 per Release at Patreon, I will order FIFTY copies of the Creative Pain Management Assessment & Activity Book  for Arachnoiditis Survivors. These copies will be sold to interested Arachnoiditis Survivors registered at the Art For Arachnoiditis Project at the Survivors’ Rate of  ONLY $5.00 (to cover shipping expenses).

I will purchase an ISBN for this publication so that it can become an affordable art & coping tool for Arachnoiditis Survivors Registered at the Art For Arachnoiditis Project and affordable for others living with Chronic Pain.

FUND YEAR 2 ~ It’s tax deductible AT
NYFA [The New York Foundation For the Arts].Or by check payable to the New York Foundation for the Arts, Memo: The Art For Arachnoiditis Project mailed to: SheilaLynnK Art Studio, 345 South Main Street, Wellsville, NY 14895.

Contributions of $2500 or more must be accompanied by a Contribution Letter

At the request of members of the Arachnoiditis Survivor Community; the on-line payment option to support the Art For Arachnoiditis Project as a gift purchase to them is now available.

100% of the gift amount is contributed to the Art For Arachnoiditis Project in honor of the intestinal fortitude of the Arachnoiditis Survivor.

Gifts Purchased in the Art For Arachnoiditis Project SHOP also help support these Independent Publications and other aspects of the project. These fair market and below prices are not tax-deductible purchases.

These works are made possible with support from people like you.

Thank you.

Go-to-Gurus

Last Blooms from 2015 ~photo
“Last Blooms of the Season” found under the large pine tree outside of the studio a few days after the first snow.

Sometimes, quietly sheltered  knowledge blooms in the strangest and most unexpected places at the best possible moment.

On the Arachnoidits Journey, as in the Journey of Life itself; there are many questions we have that cannot be answered or resolved by the practices of “modern” medicine.  I attempt to keep open eyes, ears, and mind for rumblings of sound guidance from many assorted sources.

(DISCLAIMER: I am in no way affiliated with the marketing or compensation received by these individuals. I am in no way “professionally” qualified (read “certified”) to assess the value or merit of the information or references provided by them. I am sharing this information as an experienced patient who has found some comfort in the knowledge shared by these people willing to share the insights they have collected along the way. What you do with this information is done at your own discretion under the influence of your own ability to weigh the benefit/risk value of the written word.)

My list of Go-To-Gurus

Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Author, Gift From the Sea

Alan Alda, Author, If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look on My Face? Adventures in the Art and Science of Relating and Comminicating

Dina Falconi, Author and Wendy Hollender, Artist of Foraging & Feasting; A Field Guide and Wild Food Cookbook 

Katrina Blair ~ at Turtle Lake Refuge, Author of The Wild Wisdom of Weeds; 13 Essential Plants for Human Survival, A forager’s guide to ultimate food security, including 100 nutrient-dense recipes for food, medicine, and self-care. 

John S. Workman ~Author of Fireflies In A Fruit Jar: On Religion, Politics, and Other Wonders by a Southern Preacher-Turned-Journalist

Norman Cousins ~Anatomy of An Illness on combating life-threatening illness through humor and patient participation in care.

Vanessa Couto ~ Liminal Astrology  weaving elements from archetypal astrology, depth psychology, storytelling, dreamwork and art in her coaching and mentoring approach, she helps broaden the understanding of  life’s stories, and view the path ahead with more clarity and confidence.

Sarah Love ~ I Stand For Love  IS A MOVEMENT THAT CULTIVATES AND CELEBRATES LOVE WARRIORS AROUND THE WORLD just like YOU.

Susan Jenkins~Shamanic Healing  ~bringing over 30 years of experience to her practice as a shamanic healer.

Anne Haymen~Sharing practical methods of Bringing Ancient Wisdom into our modern lives. 

Jennifer  One In Yoga ~especially this Gentle Guided Grounding Yoga activity

Lisa Sonora ~ An Artist sharing Inspiration + Practical ideas for living more creatively, courageously, consciously.

Leah Piken Kolidas ~ Creative Every Day  “to share my artwork, thoughts on living a creative life, and what is inspiring me (so much!).” ~lpk

Susun Weed~ Natural Health, Herbal Medicine and Spirit Healing the Wise Woman Way  Her Bio

The Mandala Lady ~Maureen Frank offering “mandala art to provide the inspiration, guidance, and peace you seek along your journey of Self discovery.”

Jennifer Lee ~ at Artizen Coaching  and her Right Brain Business Plan  help me find creative ways to work at home.

Werner M. Busch~ Bonsai From Native Trees & Shrubs 

Music On My Playlist  and just seeking out New and Old Music that works! From NPR Tiny Desk Concerts to KEXP Seattle to the Piano Shack to Pomplamoose to Fritz Kalkbrenner and Steve Martin with Edie Brickell everything in between…Music was greatly missed while my ears were recovering from the consequential nerve damage of low CSF caused by arachnoiditis and NOW, I use it every day to help keep me moving.

and some of  My Favorite Authors: Tom Robbins, Anne Rice, Diana Gabaldon, Gregory Maguire, Robin Wall Kimmerer, William Blake, Sharon Kaye Penman, Carol Kaesuk Yoon, Terry Tempest Williams, Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Susanne F. Fincher, William Carey Grimm,  Edith Holden

OTHER RELATED LINKS

The Wellness Universe ~ A Directory of Resources For Your Well Being

The 7 Psychological Stages of Chronic Pain

Seven Ways To Simplify Your Life

Dealing with Depression;Self-Help and Coping Tips to Overcome Depression~From Help Guide.org

16 THINGS TO REMEMBER TO LIVE WITH CHRONIC PAIN AND ILLNESS

 

Art Every Day Month Cover Collage

Art Every Day Month~Days 29-30

Day 29 ~ “Sweet November” Mandala in Progress. The final Mandala will be available as a Monthly Printable Mandala for my $3 and Up Patrons to print for personal use.

Day 30 ~ This Brick Wall mural in progress is a new addition to the studio. I will be posting updates and progress on this new project in my activity feed at Patreon.

Patrons Also Get These Things

The Rest of the Art Every Day Month Series of Posts are  Here and have been brought to the public via the support of my patrons. 

Hand Painted Alphabet Rock Collection

Art Every Day Month~Day 27

Digital collage of Busy Bucket
Busy Bucket with Activities for Toddlers Includes Hand-Painted Rocks Alphabet

The activities in The Busy Bucket, modeled after the My Busy Bag trend I saw on Pinterest, welcomes independent exploration for the child, as well as, opportunities for easy interactive activities with an adult.

Although my nephew and his family won’t need to worry about these aspects of using them; the activities I used were created as examples for other survivors. Along with the Creative Learning Activities; all of these DIY toys are easy to work on from multiple positions and created with the idea that they can also be used for interactive time with a toddler while the adult adjusts to assorted positions to accommodate physical limitations. The most difficult part is getting the bucket open if you seal it shut completely.

The seat cushion is stored inside of the bucket. I made sure it is washable and it doubles as a small pillow.

The busy bucket also includes a re-purposed Healthy Choice vegetable steamer container with a lid for use as a toddler’s first sewing kit (not shown). [I think my daughter left this container in my cabinet a few years ago…it was also great for so many other things!]

Healthy choice Container easy to re-purpose
This container is easy to re-purpose

The holes in the strainer lid are a perfect size to “sew” patterns with the purple shoe laces I put inside…along with some empty thread spools, and yarn with a plastic child-friendly needle. The needle is stored in a re-purposed blue prescription bottle with a child-proof lid so that she can only use it with adult supervision. There are also a lot of easy and fun ideas for DIY Toddlers’ Sewing Kits Here.

Total Cost to create the busy bucket= <$5 for remnants of acrylic paint, thread, yarn, and water-based gloss gloss to seal the painted rocks.

The hugs from her Mom= Priceless.

The Rest of the Art Every Day Month Series of Posts are  Here and have been brought to the public via the support of my patrons. 

Digital Photo.Local Harvest.Gratitude

Art Every Day Month~Day 26

Digital Photo.Local Harvest.Gratitude
A Season of Gratitude (Digital Photo, still life)

A Time to Be Thankful… for the sacrifices of many others who gave us this day…

And to celebrate Life Every Day as a tribute to that sacrifice.

For THIS, I am thankful.

Feel free to share your gratitude in the comments below.

The Rest of the Art Every Day Month Series of Posts are  Here 

 

digital collage of creative learning with plastic bottle caps

Art Every Day Month ~ Day 22

digital collage of creative learning with plastic bottle caps
Easy Art Activity ~ Also Great for on the floor with toddlers when compelled to be horizontal!

Today my A.G. (he is 5) and I created some Examples AND TOOK SOME PICTURES of Creative Learning Activities that my nephew’s daughter (age 2) can use with some of the items in her “My Busy Bucket”. This digital collage will be inserted inside the bucket with the other busy items. 

The Rest of the Art Every Day Month Series of Posts are  Here and have been brought to the public via the support of my patrons. 

NOTES FROM AEDM 2015 DAY 1

I have decided to participate in Leah Piken Kolidas’ Art Every Day Month Challenge atCreative Every Day during the Month of November. For the first time, as I do this 30 day challenge, I will be posting my progress HERE for arachnoiditis survivors and advocates.

I hope you will join me for this creative journey. If you are an Arachnoiditis Survivor creating any art during the series that you would like to share with The Art For Arachnoiditis Project feel free to do so in the Art For Arachnoiditis Project Facebook page, share links in the comments below, or submit the work for use in YEAR 2 of the Survivors’ Art Exhibit. (Accepting Entries until Feb 15, 2016.) Although the Art By Survivors’ exhibit is open only to the Survivors; other creative minded individuals are invited to share in all of the other places.

SUBSCRIBE to get the quarterly Art For Arachnoiditis Project Newsletter

WATCH VIDEO FROM OUR 2015 SURVIVORS’ ART EXHIBIT HERE

SHOP Awareness Art,Your purchase will benefit the Art For Arachnoiditis Projects at the studio. These fair market prices are not tax-deductible purchases.or Make a tax-deductible contribution via our Fiscal Sponsor,  NYFA [New York Foundation for the Arts] Or by check payable to the New York Foundation for the Arts, Memo: The Art For Arachnoiditis Project mailed to: SheilaLynnK Art Studio, 345 South Main Street, Wellsville, NY 14895.

To submit original art to this catalog to benefit the Art For Arachnoiditis Project Awareness Efforts. Send submissions with your signed Art In-Kind Form to sheilalynnk@yahoo.com subject line: Add My Art

This is the first time I will be doing daily art for The Art For Arachnoiditis Project. If you have never seen these posts before; you can get a better idea of what this is all about by checking out a A Few of my Similar Month-long Projects/Posts/Series from the Past.

My 30.30.30 [30 Days, 30 Pieces/posts, 30 minutes each] activities have previously been posted on my blog and on my facebook page. The most recent one I did in September 2015 is available HERE, April 2015 started HERE: 
 
April 2014 I alternated between painting and drawing HERE andHERE
January 2014 ~ 30 Day Art Journal Project HERE
September 2013 was a daily Mandala Project (which grew and ended up in my 2013 Show, “A Round Now In A Square Time” with artist & friend, Allison Midgley) That project startsHERE
The Show is HERE

Art Every Day Month ~ Day 21

Digital Photo of small lady bug sewing project
Teeny-Tiny Art

On Day 20 I finished the last piece in my BIG ART madness series.

So, Day 21 ended up being all about teeny-tiny art. This is made from some re-purposed shoulder pads from a dressing gown and some scrap pieces of felt that I had in my sewing kit.

I am going to add some light pink spots with embroidery thread.  I can work on this small art while I get horizontal on my cot.  This will be included in a gift I am working on for my Grand-niece (a.k.a. my nephew’s daughter) for her second birthday. Following the “My Busy Bag” theme that is all over Pinterest right now; I decided to make her a “My Busy Bucket.” My Grandson will be helping me with some portions of this project this weekend. More photos to come.

repurposed bed frame into a bench
Bench for visitors from remaining parts of that twin bed

Turkey Art At the Elementary School
Turkey Art At School ~Day 19

On Day 19, the weather was wet but mild. So, thankfully, I was able to spend a lovely visit with my Awesome Grandson in his classroom. This is some of the holiday art that they made. These are the precious moments that make healing possible.

The Rest of the Art Every Day Month Series of Posts are  Here 

NOTES FROM AEDM 2015 DAY 1

I have decided to participate in Leah Piken Kolidas’ Art Every Day Month Challenge atCreative Every Day during the Month of November. For the first time, as I do this 30 day challenge, I will be posting my progress HERE for arachnoiditis survivors and advocates.

I hope you will join me for this creative journey. If you are an Arachnoiditis Survivor creating any art during the series that you would like to share with The Art For Arachnoiditis Project feel free to do so in the Art For Arachnoiditis Project Facebook page, share links in the comments below, or submit the work for use in YEAR 2 of the Survivors’ Art Exhibit. (Accepting Entries until Feb 15, 2016.) Although the Art By Survivors’ exhibit is open only to the Survivors; other creative minded individuals are invited to share in all of the other places.

SUBSCRIBE to get the quarterly Art For Arachnoiditis Project Newsletter

WATCH VIDEO FROM OUR 2015 SURVIVORS’ ART EXHIBIT HERE

SHOP Awareness Art,Your purchase will benefit the Art For Arachnoiditis Projects at the studio. These fair market prices are not tax-deductible purchases.or Make a tax-deductible contribution via our Fiscal Sponsor,  NYFA [New York Foundation for the Arts] Or by check payable to the New York Foundation for the Arts, Memo: The Art For Arachnoiditis Project mailed to: SheilaLynnK Art Studio, 345 South Main Street, Wellsville, NY 14895.

To submit original art to this catalog to benefit the Art For Arachnoiditis Project Awareness Efforts. Send submissions with your signed Art In-Kind Form to sheilalynnk@yahoo.com subject line: Add My Art

This is the first time I will be doing daily art for The Art For Arachnoiditis Project. If you have never seen these posts before; you can get a better idea of what this is all about by checking out a A Few of my Similar Month-long Projects/Posts/Series from the Past.

My 30.30.30 [30 Days, 30 Pieces/posts, 30 minutes each] activities have previously been posted on my blog and on my facebook page. The most recent one I did in September 2015 is available HERE, April 2015 started HERE: 
 
April 2014 I alternated between painting and drawing HERE andHERE
January 2014 ~ 30 Day Art Journal Project HERE
September 2013 was a daily Mandala Project (which grew and ended up in my 2013 Show, “A Round Now In A Square Time” with artist & friend, Allison Midgley) That project startsHERE
The Show is HERE

Art Every Day Month~Day 19

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
“Big Art = Down Time” ~Digital Collage

These works in progress are finally coming together. These ancient drop-down stairs (a.k.a. The Death Trap), were taken down over a year ago. Since then, I have been trying to figure out what to do with them. A couple of well-used and much-loved twin beds weren’t really fit to pass on to anyone else. So, I was also trying to figure out what to do with those. Cramming my life and work into one place means that space is a precious commodity. I am not really a pack rat but, I tend to hold onto things that I KNOW for certain will make the space better…EVENTUALLY.

Since the end of October/beginning of November I have been inspired with resolutions for these problems. It also helps that I managed to release the angle adjustment on my old miter saw and was gifted with the appropriate drill bits. It is truly amazing what we can accomplish with the correct tools!

All of this physical busy-ness of course, comes with a price. The use of Power tools = Muscle spasms, Lifting-bending-moving A LOT = Inflammation and more Muscle Spasms, and other Responsibilities and Obligations = Go To Bed.

So, I did.

Apologies for missing posts for Days 17 & 18. I just didn’t have it in me to post on those days as I tried to keep up with life obligations AND recover from these creative bursts of energy that demanded the making of these BIG ART pieces.  I have decided these creations are “ART”-worthy because there was a great deal of creative resourcefulness involved in re-making these items into something that was applicable to the space AND affordable. TOTAL Cost in dollars….I spent $5.65 on new hardware. The rest is ALL Re-purposed materials.

The Rest of the Art Every Day Month Series of Posts are  Here 

NOTES FROM AEDM 2015 DAY 1

I have decided to participate in Leah Piken Kolidas’ Art Every Day Month Challenge atCreative Every Day during the Month of November. For the first time, as I do this 30 day challenge, I will be posting my progress HERE for arachnoiditis survivors and advocates.

I hope you will join me for this creative journey. If you are an Arachnoiditis Survivor creating any art during the series that you would like to share with The Art For Arachnoiditis Project feel free to do so in the Art For Arachnoiditis Project Facebook page, share links in the comments below, or submit the work for use in YEAR 2 of the Survivors’ Art Exhibit. (Accepting Entries until Feb 15, 2016.) Although the Art By Survivors’ exhibit is open only to the Survivors; other creative minded individuals are invited to share in all of the other places.

SUBSCRIBE to get the quarterly Art For Arachnoiditis Project Newsletter

WATCH VIDEO FROM OUR 2015 SURVIVORS’ ART EXHIBIT HERE

SHOP Awareness Art,Your purchase will benefit the Art For Arachnoiditis Projects at the studio. These fair market prices are not tax-deductible purchases.or Make a tax-deductible contribution via our Fiscal Sponsor,  NYFA [New York Foundation for the Arts] Or by check payable to the New York Foundation for the Arts, Memo: The Art For Arachnoiditis Project mailed to: SheilaLynnK Art Studio, 345 South Main Street, Wellsville, NY 14895.

To submit original art to this catalog to benefit the Art For Arachnoiditis Project Awareness Efforts. Send submissions with your signed Art In-Kind Form to sheilalynnk@yahoo.com subject line: Add My Art

This is the first time I will be doing daily art for The Art For Arachnoiditis Project. If you have never seen these posts before; you can get a better idea of what this is all about by checking out a A Few of my Similar Month-long Projects/Posts/Series from the Past.

My 30.30.30 [30 Days, 30 Pieces/posts, 30 minutes each] activities have previously been posted on my blog and on my facebook page. The most recent one I did in September 2015 is available HERE, April 2015 started HERE: 
 
April 2014 I alternated between painting and drawing HERE andHERE
January 2014 ~ 30 Day Art Journal Project HERE
September 2013 was a daily Mandala Project (which grew and ended up in my 2013 Show, “A Round Now In A Square Time” with artist & friend, Allison Midgley) That project startsHERE
The Show is HERE