Fibromyalgia is a frequently misunderstood chronic pain condition that affects roughly six million Americans.  It is commonly believed to be the result of malfunctioning, overactive nerve endings which miscommunicate with an overly sensitive central nervous system.  This work seeks to create a dialogue about the experiences and lives of those who live with fibromyalgia because our society would rather ignore pain and focus on medical advancements that might prolong life than fully acknowledge our mortality.  We therefore shy away from having frank discussions about pain.  

My paintings bring attention to this issue by acting as a physical representation of my experiences of living with the constant agony of fibromyalgia.  Using hot encaustic paint, I pour atmospheric fields of color using a palette that references visceral body structures and the deep roots of neural pathways. Encaustic paint’s sculptural capabilities allow me to create tactile, woundlike surfaces that convey the pain of this condition.  These works confront the viewer with the reality of chronic pain in the hopes that our society might learn to accept our mortality.