Unstill: The Art of Movement
These paintings are part of a series documenting key moments for me in 2012-13. In May of 2012, after struggling with a period of accelerating anxiety, I sought the help of medical professionals and medication options to help manage my symptoms. The medication caused adverse side effects that left me with a rare movement disorder known as Tardive Syndrome (Akathisia, Tourette-like movements, etc.) These oil on canvas paintings were created to express the helpless feelings associated with coming off psychiatric medication; provide caution and make viewers aware of the extreme pain associated with this condition. This series served as a therapeutic device.
I chose to work with my favorite medium, oil on canvas. The brush strokes were intentionally very linear and almost cartoon-like because of the limitations of my body at the time. I also chose to keep my compositions simple, because what was happening to me at that moment in time was incredibly complex and beyond my comprehension. I hope for those people who are still struggling in the acute phases of this disorder, or for anyone struggling with a rare or chronic condition, that you will find some shared experiences in this work.
Please keep an eye out for my memoir later in 2024 which gives the full story behind this art.
Hope (2013).
15" x 30"
Oil on Canvas.
Diphenhydramine Cocktail (2012).
6" x 12"
Oil on Canvas.
Mom's Bad Genes (2012).
11" x14"
Oil on Canvas.
Waiting II (2012).
12" x 12"
Oil on Canvas.
Legs (2012).
10" x 20"
Oil on Canvas.
Where Does it Hurt? (2012).
18" x 36"
Oil on Canvas.
Risperidone (2012).
14" x 18"
Oil on Canvas.
Go Away (2012).
12" x 12"
Oil on Canvas.
Ziprasidone (2012).
12" x 12"
Oil on Canvas.
Mental Health Awareness (2012).
14" x 18"
Oil on Canvas.
Dystonia Awareness (2012).
14" x 18"
Oil on Canvas.
VanGogh: Tribute (2012).
14" x 18"
Oil on Canvas.
The Crucifixion (2012).
12" x 36"
Oil on Canvas.
Empty (2012).
4" x 4"
Oil on Canvas.
Panic Attack (2012).
3" x 3"
Oil on Canvas.
Fall (2012).
4" x 6"
Oil on Canvas.
Hooked (2012).
12" x 36"
Oil on Canvas.
7:00am (2012).
4" x 4"
Oil on Canvas.
When Life Gives You Lemons... (2013).
3" x 3"
Oil on Canvas.
Tear Drop (2012).
3" x 3"
Oil on Canvas.
Handicap (2013).
4" x 4"
Oil on Canvas.
"But You're Functioning" (2012).
11" x 14"
Oil on Canvas.
6" x 6" (2012).
14" x 18"
Oil on Canvas.
Untitled (2013).
18" x 36"
Oil on Canvas.
Therapy: A Tribute (2012).
12" x 16"
Oil on Canvas.
The Boy who Cried Wolf (2012).
6" x 12"
Oil on Canvas.
Drowning (2012).
6" x 8"
Oil on Canvas.
It's all Chemistry (2012).
4" x 6"
Oil on Canvas.
The Verdict (2013).
10" x 10"
Oil on Canvas.
Buddha (2012).
9" x 12"
Oil on Canvas.
Suicide Awareness (2021).
10" x 30"
Oil on Canvas.
Waiting (2012).
14" x 18"
Oil on Canvas.
Tail Lights (2012).
9" x 12"
Oil on Canvas.
Lithium Hotdog (2012).
9" x 12"
Oil on Canvas.
Final Piece (20--).
TBD
Oil on Canvas.