Hero's Journey
"This painting was inspired by my contemplations of the Hero's Journey that I have experienced as a person with unseen disabilities. I think about what my world was like before I developed my disabilities. Suddenly I could not do most of the things that I had done previously for livelihood or joy. I remember the moments when I was in denial about the changes that were happening to my body and health landscape. I felt alienated, mistreated, and isolated due to new disabilities---- and the ableism I was experiencing. The expressive arts helped me arrive at self-acceptance, and eventually discover a new sense of belonging in the world. Becoming an artist was a spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical quest that nourished my well-being. I faced my fears of failure and having to rebuild my life. I overcame various obstacles including homelessness and dealing with major health issues while being unable to access health insurance and medical care consistently. I had to dig deep within myself to find the courage to keep taking steps forward. I think about where I am in my life now. I think about what I have achieved and how I have transformed. My hero's journey has been messy, with many unexpected twists, turns, detours, and dead ends. However, when I take a step back, I appreciate the beauty that emerges from all the layers of experiences that I have had thus far in my life."
-Quána Madison
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