IJMSC Cover Art

Laundry Day
by Nancy Garcia – Chicago Heights, IL

From the artist: "I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) over 30 years ago and had symptoms several years before that. In the last few years, I have had to quit work and have found a refuge in art. Most of my pieces are in watercolor or ink. Painting and drawing have become a meditation and a place where my imagination can soar. I find most of my inspiration in nature and simple things—laundry on the line, a lovingly prepared cup of tea—things that those of us with MS know all too well should not be taken for granted."

Frozen Funnel
by Brenda Shirey – Glenmora, LA

From the artist: "I live in Louisiana and was diagnosed with MS in November 2021. Photography is one of my favorite passions, as I can do it sitting down or standing. I used to enjoy long walks in nature but have learned to adapt. Taking photos lets me relive the moments I have enjoyed outdoors when I am not able to get outside."

Tomato Soup
by Sue Lyttle – Novato, CA

From the artist: "I am an 83-year-old resident of California. For most of my life, I was a graphic designer on a computer. I was an art director for a nonprofit journal before I retired. I exhibited my art in various venues around California. Since I retired, I paint for my own pleasure. My first indication of MS was optic neuritis when I was 40. Pretty scary for an artist. I was totally blind for several months, [but] I recovered most of my sight. Now, I am unfocused and colorblind in my right eye. This has proven to be an advantage to my art. I can judge the contrast in my paintings with my colorblind eye. I have had the good luck to have had a mild case of MS with only a few serious relapses and long periods of remission."

Birches in Light
by Jeffrey Waldron – Granby, MA

From the artist: "I was diagnosed with MS in 2001. Words and thinking analytically are harder, while bright images and the playfulness of light are very joyful. I like to photograph reflections in water. The movement of the light in the water, plus the change of shades in the water, free my mind."

Calypso
by Sally MacAllister – Bend, OR

From the artist: "I was diagnosed with primary progressive MS 8 years ago. Since my mobility was becoming increasingly challenged, I knew I needed to find a new passion to replace my hiking and physical activities. I hadn’t really painted in over 48 years, but decided now was the time to test a latent talent and feed my soul. I moved to the Pacific northwest and found an endlessly inspiring landscape and a supportive circle of artists and friends. If I didn’t have my art and the new avenues it has given me, I would succumb to the dark side of this disease. I paint mostly in acrylics and tend toward abstract impressions of Cascades landscapes. My art keeps me going in a positive direction."

Lily Pad
by Janet Chojnacki – Wisconsin Rapids, WI

From the artist: "Thankfully, I have always had an interest in art. Whether it was painting, drawing, wood carving, or sculpting, art has always been my peace. After my relapses in 2017 and becoming disabled, I have found that art helps give me a purpose. It helps with my anxiety and depression. MS has taken so much from me, but it hasn’t taken all of me."

Patch
by Sally Haas – Marine City, MI

From the artist: "An MS diagnosis 10 years ago gave me the opportunity to face some challenges that affected my ability to paint and throw pottery. I have had to make some adjustments in order to continue to do these things. The one thing that hasn’t changed is being able to lose myself in the process of creating and for that I am grateful. Art is a wonderful escape."

Night Sky Spectacular
by Teresa Grzeslo – Lake Villa, IL

From the artist: "I have been living with multiple sclerosis (MS) since 1999. Besides raising a family, I worked another 6 years with some modifications. Art appreciation and creative efforts have always been an integral part of my identity. Stubbornness, increased fatigue, and difficulty accepting personal limitations became a large part of my MS challenges. I knew that I had to adjust my expectations beyond routine activities. I learned that knowledge is power. I seek out the healing aspects of creativity and look forward to inspirational experiences for artwork motivation."

Barb Wires and Oak Leaves
by Barbara Patrick – Menlo Park, CA

From the artist: "I am a goldsmith with a bachelor of fine arts in metalsmithing. I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2014 when my right hand became temporarily paralyzed. Previously, I had 5 surgeries due to carpal tunnel, leading to lots of time off to recover. I’ve learned to divide my creative projects by the amount of time, strength, and dexterity required. I experience a lot of shakiness which makes soldering and other tasks difficult. I am learning to slow down and choose my best artistic medium every day.

The Museum of Arts and Design in New York City has 2 of my metalsmithing pieces in its permanent collection. Photos of my jewelry have been published in books and magazines, as well as on my personal website. I am also honored to have shown work in group exhibitions overseas. "

The Bay Bridge
by Sue Lawrence-Reeder – Monmouth, ME

From the artist: "Diagnosed at age 30, I never imagined I would be living my best life at 71: still on my feet and continuing to do what I love. My battle with multiple sclerosis has had its long, challenging times, but it has also provided me with the opportunity to explore 4 different career paths, all in an effort to stay a step ahead of disability and proving that when 1 door closes, another opens. Living in Maine, artists are surrounded by the artistry of nature from her rugged coastline, her acres of lakes, to her miles of pine tree forests. I consider myself blessed to be living in the midst of such beauty and inspiration."

IJMSC, in collaboration with the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA), is proud to shine a spotlight on a selection of artwork created by people with MS. The works of art are collected and featured annually in MSAA’s Art Showcase, and further featured as cover art on issues of IJMSC. View the PDF to enjoy a selection of works featured in an art exhibit at the 2023 CMSC Annual Meeting, held May 31-June 3, 2023 in Aurora, CO.
View/Download PDF

Magic in the Mountains
by Kim Ayon – Port Angeles, WA, USA

From the artist: "I started painting watercolors a little over one year ago and that was it: I found “the one,” my true passion! While a challenging medium as it is, I find it even more of a challenge with MS. I tend to drop things a lot, including my paintbrushes. Nevertheless, I sometimes end up with a happy surprise and this just adds to the many reasons why I love this medium. The translucency of color on paper, the swirls of color exploding from the brush into the water: Pure BLISS!"

The Barn
by Stanley Gilbert – Rupert, VT

From the artist: "After retiring as a chemical engineer, an art teacher friend offered to teach me to draw. She was impressed with my ability and I was surprised. I have always enjoyed art museums and studying the masters. I went to San Miguel Allende in Mexico to continue drawing and learn to paint. That was the beginning of my journey into painting and it soon became my avocation. I have also studied sculpting having access to marble in Vermont."

Pockets of Light
by Shana Stern - Los Angeles, CA

From the artist: "A former writer and dancer, I began painting when I could no longer write or dance due to a multitude of symptoms from multiple sclerosis. Unable to hold a paintbrush, I created my own method of painting, using my fingers.

Music triggers the experience of moving colors in my mind, so I listen to nothing but one song while I work, trying to translate what I see onto the canvas.

I utilize highly texturized mediums and materials which cause light to shimmer, bounce and change colors depending on the angle you see a painting from – so the paint seems to “move.”

Attempting to make something beautiful as I use my fingers to make the paint dance across the canvas, is my way of fighting back against the daily uncontrollable issues I have with my MS. Through my art, I now tell stories with paint. And I once again dance – with my hands."

Winter Hush
by Diana de Avila - Osprey, FL

About the artist: Diana de Avila is an award-winning artist who has acquired savant syndrome and synesthesia. Her artistic gift arrived suddenly and explosively after a relapse of MS and worsening TBI in 2017. These injuries drastically affected her vision and cognition and compelled her artistic emergence and the creation of a body of work numbering over 1300 digital art pieces. She creates cosmic digital art rooted in fractal geometry, where quantum physics, chaos theory, and divine order converge, all without any formal training. Diana is the subject and co-author of the new book Soldier, Sister, Savant, which shares the story of her artistic genius and samples of her art from 2017 to early 2021.

Waterfall
by Hope Angel - Seattle, WA, USA

From the artist: "My art is a product of my imagination. My paintings say it all without saying a single word.

Water speaks to and inspires me. It feeds my diverse and varied artwork. The forgiveness of acrylics allows me to skew and transform water’s powerful energy. Something about it draws people in; it has a sort of energy that has a mysterious hold on us. This earthy element draws the attention of the viewer into the texture and vision of the painting itself.

Water is life. Altering how we view it is but one way to challenge the unwritten rules, beliefs, and fears that shape our world and behaviors within. Its willingness for transformation makes it the perfect medium for soulful exploration. My goal is to inspire those who see my art to take an imaginary trip with me and explore the world from a unique and colorful perspective."

The Southernmost
by Lisa Domenic - Philadelphia, PA, USA

From the artist: "I have always been a creative person: we live in the moment, aren’t afraid of challenges, and are natural-born problem solvers. I think that’s why I loved my work as a nurse helping patients.

When I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and narcolepsy there were new challenges I had to meet. I have not stopped exploring ways to meet each one and improve. I grew up in Philadelphia surrounded by the arts. I enjoy taking art and design workshops, participating in local exhibitions, and learning from others. I love what I am able to do!"

Encircled
by Carmella Certion - Philadelphia, PA, USA

From the artist: "I am an artist, gerontologist, and marriage and family therapist currently living with MS. It all began with a simple painting of a cat for my granddaughter’s room after I gave it a mini-makeover last summer during the pandemic. A makeup artist by trade (I’m known as Nhjia Abyan) I was unable to “beat” faces so I now “beat” canvases. I mostly paint abstracts, landscapes, and cityscapes and I’ve only taken one class. My studio is located in my Philadelphia, PA bedroom where I mostly paint in bed due to a plethora of health challenges. I find painting relaxing and it also helps ward off depression and anxiety, which I suffer from periodically. I love to use bright colors, geometric shapes and texture in my work and my philosophy is simple: Art should be fun!"

Tranquility
by Andrea McCallum - Elko, NV, USA

From the artist: "MS is my diagnosis, but not my life.

My life is a joy and part of that joy is creating beauty both in how I choose to live my life as well as in the art I create.

Art allows for freedom of expression, imperfections, and interpretation. It asks us to look deeper and examine things more closely and from further away at the same time. It asks for perspective and contemplation.

Art is a lot like life…"

New Mexico at Midnight
by Jennifer Reida - Swansea, IL, USA

From the artist: "I am a Native American Artist who lives with MS. Through my diagnosis in 2013, I have learned to be flexible with the mediums that I use in my art. Depending on my abilities at the moment, I use graphite (pencil), charcoal, paint (acrylic, watercolor), pyrography (woodburning), digital, and oil pastels. Throughout my life I have used art as a visual journal. I put everything I see or feel onto the paper. I am currently on a journey of discovering more about my Native American heritage which is playing a large role in my work."

Colors
by Evelyn Hernandez - New York, NY, USA

From the artist: "After being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and having a terrible accident that severely damaged my left hand, I found my therapy through painting, discovering my hidden creativity and a way of expressing my feelings. When I paint, my mind and heart guide my brushstrokes. I work with acrylics but have also experimented with oil and watercolor.

I use my palate to recreate nature's beauty, colors, and textures which are truly amazing. I love painting landscapes but also love creating from my imagination. My goal is to continue to grow by practice and experimentation to become a much better artist because I aim to convey my feelings of love, passion, and inspiration to others through my artwork."

Beach House
by Ann Reisig – Ferguson, MO, USA

From the artist: "When I was diagnosed with MS, saying I was overwhelmed is an understatement. I have painted since I was a child. Art, painting, sewing, whatever is how I work problems out and make the world my happy place again. I won’t say MS has taken away things, but it has changed the way I do things. Instead of being a participant in an activity I now am the historian, taking pictures that I later paint. Instead of traveling, I have a good friend who travels and always sends me pictures to paint. When MS took my right hand for a while, I switched to using my left and a pallet knife to create a waterfall. MS in its own way has made me improve my skill set to rise to the challenges it sends."

Light House
by Melissa Koleshis – Tempe, AZ, USA

From the artist: "I was born and raised on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. I attended F.I.T. in NYC and graduated from Bridgewater University, Massachusetts, with a BA in Fine Arts. I was diagnosed with RRMS on Halloween 2016. I remember it was a Monday and that Saturday, just 2 days before, was when I completed my MRIs to confirm the diagnosis. So, I was shocked to hear from my neurologist so soon, they found a large mass in my throat that needed to be looked at immediately. I did not have cancer but lost my thyroid instead. In July 2018 I had to give up my job because it was such a struggle because of the MS. I now live in Phoenix, Arizona with my daughter, husband, and kitty. I miss the ocean breeze but love the big desert sky. MS will never take the title 'Artist' from me — as long as I can hold a paint brush I will create."

Sound of Silence
by Shana Stern – Pacific Palisades, CA, USA

From the artist: "Thirteen years into my MS diagnosis, I could no longer write or dance – my profession and my passion. Unable to hold a paintbrush because of my MS, I began painting using my fingers and knuckles. I paint each piece to a song – trying to interpret the feeling and movements of the dance I see in my brain. Crouched over canvas, covered in paint, lost in the music – everything else disappears. All my pain, cognitive and physical issues dissolve away into beauty and the freedom that painting affords me. I’ve lost much to MS, but my art has given me a second chance in life. I still get to tell stories – but instead of using a pen, I now use paint. I still get to dance – but instead of my feet, I use my fingers. I hope I will always be able to dance through paint and hopefully I can inspire people with my art."

Teacher Friends
by Leslie Pino Durant – Jemez Springs, NM, USA

From the artist: "I rarely expressed myself as an artist for fear of being exposed as a not-so-great one. As an adult, I loved the arts through the eyes of my children. When I was diagnosed with MS, my life was difficult to manage. I didn’t have a place to go to quiet my mind and body. Fast forward and my children are grown, I am retired, and I wanted to express my artistic need that I didn’t feed earlier. I picked up an art journal and a paintbrush and with the help of online art teachers and lots of practice, I learned to paint. I now have a place to go to that helps me get through fatigue, brain fog, and difficult days. Most importantly, I am proud to finally call myself an artist."

Reflection
by AnnaMarie Prono – Forest Hills, NY, USA

From the artist: "I’ve lived with MS for more than 27 years. Two years ago, I stopped working as a construction project manager due to disease progression. I have always enjoyed drawing and painting. It is meditative and brings me peace. Most of my work is focused on nature and the outdoors. I often reference photographs when creating new work."

Day Dreamer
by Jennifer Lynn Reida – Swansea, IL, USA

From the artist: "I am a Native American Artist who lives with MS. Through my diagnosis in 2013, I have learned to be flexible with the mediums that I use in my art. Depending on my abilities at the moment I use graphite (pencil), charcoal, paint (acrylic, watercolor) and pyrography (woodburning). Throughout my life I have used art as a visual journal. I put everything I see or feel onto paper. I am currently on a journey of discovering more about my Native American heritage which is playing a large role in my work. I depict strong Native American women from the Cherokee Nation, due to its matriarchal society, and because there are many beautifully strong women in my life who deserve to be honored. The symbolism and culture of the Native people along with the landscapes of the Southwest inspire me in each drawing or painting that I create."

My Cat. My Muse.
by Jaclyn Spencer – Ogden, UT, USA

From the artist: "I began painting in 2016. I have always loved art but never gave myself the chance to create it. I may have felt insecure about being any good at it because of my limitations from MS. What I actually found out was that art was therapeutic for me. It’s an escape; it’s a way to let what I feel inside come out in a productive and creative way. It no longer matters to me if I am good at it or not. It makes me feel good and that’s all that matters. I love painting and although I drop a lot of brushes because of my numb hands, I keep going because it makes me happy."

Day is Done
by Laura Patchen – Pittsford, NY, USA

From the artist: “As a woman who has lived with MS for over 20 years, I’ve gone from owning my own business to being unable to work. I started painting about 8 years ago at our local recreation center. I found it made me feel like I was producing something worthwhile, which helped me deal with some of the losses associated with MS. The social aspect of getting together with others to paint is important to me, too. I hope my paintings bring enjoyment to others, but really, I do it for myself, and I’m proud of my growth and accomplishments in painting.”

Constellation des Colores
by Debra Robert – Lake Worth, FL, USA

From the artist: “Color and motion in my artwork had always been influenced by the imaginative lighting, sound, and stage design I was immersed in throughout my theatrical life. I have a BA in Theatre Arts and an MFA in Film. My career took me around the globe working in the live concert/conference industry. When I became disabled due to MS at age 46, I lost all desire to create. But as I learned to redefine my life and sense of being, my drive to create returned, but from a more internal place. I am learning to integrate my struggle with MS with the re-emerging ‘artist’s struggle’ from within. As my disease progresses, I use the hindrances it surmounts on me, such as tremors and vertigo, as expressive tools. My intent is not to create art ‘in spite of’ or ‘against’ MS, but in union with it.”

Strutting His Stuff
by Debbie Parker – Danielsville, GA, USA

From the artist: "I was diagnosed with MS in 2018. For years I struggled with symptoms and with every passing year it became more and more difficult for me to work. But it wasn’t until my neck pain became unbearable that my doctor ordered an MRI that revealed that I indeed had MS. For 2 years I’ve been taking my medication and feeling much better. I have always been artistic and find joy in creating works of art, especially from recycled materials. I made Strutting His Stuff from old magazines that would have been thrown away. Creating is such great therapy for me. Without art, I would battle with depression. I have discovered a new artistic expression in clay and find that throwing on the potter’s wheel helps with my joint pain as well!"

Mixed Feelings
by Tammy Jennings - Monterey, CA, USA

From the artist: “I am a 60-year-old, single woman who’s been living with multiple sclerosis for 24 years. I worked full-time (at an architecture firm) until December 2006 when I had to ‘retire’ as some of the unpleasant ‘side-effects’ of my MS became too much to handle in a work environment. My cousin, Joyce Quaglino, who is an unbelievably talented artist, introduced me to the wonderful world of painting. I believe everyone can paint, mainly because it is almost mistake proof. Some of the worst ‘mistakes’ turn out to be the most beautiful paintings! The inspiration for my painting was my MS and how it seems to ‘mix’ into every aspect of my life.”

Sunlight Blossoms
by Patricia Heller - Sturgeon Bay, WI, USA

From the artist: “Diagnosed 12 years ago, my life dramatically changed.... As I have learned to manage my MS, so too have I learned to recreate my life and painting has been a big part of that. Watercolors, like MS, are unpredictable. The interaction of the water and color rarely ends up looking the way I envision. So too with my MS symptoms..... With painting, I have learned to watch the movement of the water and the paint and capture it to create the images I intend. With MS symptoms, I have learned to listen to what my body is telling me and then use everything I have learned (meditation, relaxation, exercise ... best of all, watercolor painting) to manage MS."

Self Portrait
by Nicole Verderame - Media, PA, USA

From the artist: "Art has always played a big part of my life, and when I was diagnosed with MS at just 19 it served as an outlet for me to express everything I was going through. Throughout all the highs and lows of this roller coaster of a disease, art has always been there to help me cope on those bad days, and those good days too. I believe it’s a powerful coping tool that anyone dealing with any rough patch in life can benefit from just like I have."

Sunset Sail
by David Desjardins - Union, ME, USA

From the artist: “I consider myself to be a very positive and optimistic person, but it was difficult maintaining that attitude when I first learned of my diagnosis, even for me! I admit that I have a few ‘blue’ days from time to time, but I choose not to allow myself to wallow in self-pity… I’ve always loved to paint, but in the past something always came up, demanding my immediate attention, taking me away from it. Now, however, I feel that I’m doing something creative with my time rather than giving in entirely to my illness.”

In the Deep
by Bean Fairbanks - Seattle, WA, USA

From the artist: "Since my MS diagnosis in 1987, I have had to continually reinvent myself as an artist as my abilities and senses change. I delighted in textile arts and photography as a young woman but found them challenging as my eyesight and sense of touch were impacted. I turned to digital art and painting. Two years ago, I discovered alcohol ink. It is an inexpensive medium, similar to watercolor. It allows me to paint with cotton balls, Q-tips, and other items easier for me to hold. A new world opened up. Today, art continues to be a critical part of my cognitive, physical, and mental therapy. I strive to do at least a little bit every day. If I do, I feel better.”

Fun Times at Grandpa's House
by Michelle Fansler - Kendallville, IN, USA

From the artist: "I was diagnosed with MS in 2004. Since then, I’ve had to overcome all sorts of obstacles. A big one is stress. I am unable to use my arms or my legs. All my paintings are done using my mouth. Even though there is a little stress from painting this way, it takes me somewhere stress-free and happy. All of my paintings are done with acrylic."

Dream State
by Maria Sammartino - Riverton, NJ, USA

About the artist: Maria was born into a family of artists and has spent many years creating art. After being diagnosed with MS in 2009, Maria found herself immersed in painting, writing, and editing to help alleviate the pain that MS can cause. Maria presents the viewer with a challenge in self-described "imagined landscapes" and abstract art that often defy rules of perspective and dimension. Each painting is different from the next, and not easily described as "abstract" or "landscape" but both. She mixes her vibrant palette in what seems to be endless layers and texture, challenging the viewer to label or describe them easily.