Anna's Art
Published in Jubilation, February 2001
Click for PDF of full article as published
Visual artists have always tapped into emotions, creating new worlds and new perspectives through their art, encouraging others to think about life in new ways. For an artist who has a physical illness, however, coping with disability adds many new challenges as we as altered perspectives.
Artist Anna von deBardeleben has discovered the joy and frustration with her own work. She has several illnesses including multiple sclerosis, and fibromyalgia. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic degenerative disease marked by attacks to the myelin, which protect the nerve endings in the central nervous system. Symptoms vary from numbness or tingling sensations, fatigue, atrophy of muscles, loss of sight and other effects.
Anna, who has spent her life studying art and language, traveling all over the world, was not diagnosed with MS for several years after the first symptoms appeared, and it did not affect her mobility until her late 40's. As the MS has progressed, Anna has needed to spend more time taking care of herself and less time with her art.
After not painting in the studio for quite some time, Anna was nervous that she had lost her ability to paint and had to find a way to incorporate her physical limitations into her painting. Even more damaging was the fear that her paintings would not be as beautiful or perfect as her previous ones. This brought on a case of artist's block. "When I began painting early on, " explains Anna, "I had more dexterity, but as time has progressed, the illness has progressed. I have less dexterity in my hands so I can no longer paint details and have gone from realistic painting to abstract painting and have become a colorist."
"When I think about people who have chronic illnesses, one area that sometimes is not addressed is dealing with creativity, relaxation and doing things to build self-esteem because the illness itself makes a person feel as if they have less dignity."
Once she entered her studio, she is engulfed in a world of color and imagination. Art is a way not only to express ideas but also to heal the many wounds and losses of life experiences. A "So while I am painting," continues Anna, "I will just loose track of time and become totally absorbed with what I am doing. As a result, I become more relaxed and have some type of satisfaction of creating something positive, and that has enhanced my self-esteem. When I am painting the endorphins in my brain are working, and the brain activity is actually causing less pain."
The physical limitations of the act of painting are frustrating to those who have degenerative illnesses, and Anna has found she must use a timer to remind her when to take a break. Sometimes she has ignored the timer and as a consequence spends the next day recovering. Struggling to find the balance of rest and work is a daunting task, especially when the artistic muse is ready to inspire.
Though she has not painted much in quite some time, Anna has worked hard to remain active in her field by participating in local events. As president of the West Alabama Art Association for the past two years, she has brought a fresh light and energy to the creative spirit within this regional organization. Anna also does art therapy with children and adults.
Recently, Anna von deBardeleben exhibited in the Kentuck Gallery during the month of October, presenting artwork from the 1960s to the present. Many onlookers responded in disbelief, "You painted all of these? These styles are so different." As the multiple sclerosis has progressed, Anna has modified her style to represent her physical condition. She can no longer paint the detailed brushstrokes that her older paintings demonstrate, though these pieces have been favored among her collection by those who do not seem to appreciate abstract art.
When people see her work, they also see the styles representing the different places in Anna's life, both through her travels and through her illness. Her newest style, fractal art- placing pieces of mirrored glass over a painting- is more abstract and challenges viewers who are seeing their reflection in the painting. Anna explains, "I have to accept where I am now, what I can do and take satisfaction in this work. My goal is to help the people in this world to look within themselves, see fragmented pieces, and to heal. This is the essence of my current work, mirrored glass fractures. I could not be at this place [in my life and art] without having seen the places of this world and dealing with the twists and turns of the physical illnesses, which have actually caused me to appreciate what I can do even more."
As recent winner of the first place Purchase Prize award for the Arts Council, Junior League Art Show, the personal acknowledgement greatly outweighs the financial prize for Anna von deBardeleben. What a high honor to be acknowledged for her work, and the excitement and delight in her voice exceeds any other benefit of winning the award.
Art is a way of expression reflecting the world and sharing that experience with others is a daring act. Artists with disabilities work hard to overcome the mental and physical limitations which are placed in front of them; a sacred piece of work is produced reflective of the artist and their thoughts.
"Every person living in our world has some type of disability," concludes Anna, "We all have our personal obstacles to overcome. No one's situation is greater or lesser that another's; it is how we view, accept and deal with these challenges that make the difference."
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