I was different than most of the other children. At the age of 11yrs I was diagnosed with epilepsy. The way that I have always coped with it is through some form of art. At first it was theatre I was not on-stage, I worked back-stage. I helped but later I gained the confidence to try on-stage. I could only do chorus roles of course.I remember once being back-stage watching my father on-stage. He was one of the leads in the musical The Secret Garden that they did here in a community theatre production. The Secret Garden is a musical about a little boy and how a Secret Garden helps cure him. The role of his father was played by my father. I remember standing and watching him sing about a wizard who’s art would soon pierce through the heart of the dragon that was keeping his son ill. I felt like he was singing about me, his daughter who was ill. Music was and is very therapeutic to me.
I had brain surgery for my epilepsy, when I woke up my left side was temporarily paralyzed. I went around singing in my wheelchair to cheer the others up. I had been told that I would learn how to paint and now that my left side didn’t work I questioned that. I painted a flower on a tile there that they gave me from that moment on I was painting like mad. Painting helped me cope with the many memories that I had from having seizures. I would often play music and paint. Sing and paint, even when music wasn’t playing it’d be playing in my head. It often came out on the canvas. I’ve tried many different techniques while painting. I’ve made a heart series, showing different meanings of the heart. I’ve made a mixed media series. Mainly fabric added onto the canvas with a clear medium. I have a dots series, when I’m making the dots in my painting that’s the only thing that I have to concentrate on and that’s why it helps me, I don’t have to think about anything else. I just think about the painting.
Images of Angela through her brain surgery.
I also make my own jewelry because I have to keep busy all the time, if not I can’t handle the memories that I have. Plus, it brings me joy to see others when they like my work. No matter what it is…. Jewelry, poems or painting. Right now, I’m working on a book with a collection of my poems and art. I am a member of many organizations that have to do with health. I have three volunteer jobs… one at aceo magazine , one at the Savannah Children’s Theatre and one at the Savannah Market Bazaar. All of them don’t really have deadlines that are that strict. I plan on donating my paintings to different causes and nonprofits because they helped me. I would like to help them. I’ve donated to many health organizations over the years. Interfaith Hospitality Network, Goodwill, United Way and American Diabetes Association just to name a few…but the list goes on! Right now I am working on some paintings to donate to the Savannah Children’s Theatre. One of the paintings is based on the Secret Garden. It’s very helpful to let out those memories. Yet know that the painting that I’m working on will make someone smile.
My name is Angela and I found art to be so therapeutic in so many ways. You can see more of my work at www.new.facebook.com/pages/Angelas-Art-Area/32152412811?ref=s
http://www.youtube.com/user/PassionPainting and PaintingWPassion.etsy.com
hi angela!
it is so wonderful to meet you.
your art is beautiful and so inspiring!
thank you for your generosity and for sharing it in so many ways.
:) melissa
Posted by: Melissa | July 31, 2009 at 06:42 AM
Melissa,
Thanks for your kind words! :) I'm glad that you like my art!
:) Take care,
Angela
Posted by: Angela | July 31, 2009 at 01:08 PM
Your story is a wonderful incentive for others who have medical problems and may want to just give up. You already know I luv ya! Keep working on that book, glitter girl! xoxoxoxo judie
Posted by: Judie | August 13, 2009 at 07:05 AM
Will do!!! :) Thanks!!! *HUGS*
Angela
Posted by: Angela | July 19, 2010 at 05:10 PM