#disabilityarts

[rebirthgarments]

TW: Chemical w-rfare, Ab-rtion

Urgent Ask to evacuate Nara, a 🍉 disabled woman with MS who also has pancreatic cancer due to chemical w-rfare.

Support by financially contributing to her @FedUp4Palestine vetted funhnd-raizer (that I personally vetted): givebutter.com/NaraMedicalAid

+ resharing/ reposting this post!

I, Sky Cubacub- a Fed up 4 Palestine team member, have been in direct contact with Nara to get to know her and her story more over the past few days. We have become fast friends due to so many overlapping symptoms of our disabilities. Nara’s story caught my eye because I have post-viral ME/CFS which many times is a precursor to MS. I really want my disability community to show up for her to get this campaign funded that is so close to my heart so that she can continue medical treatment.

We have chatted extensively! During our chats, I found out from Nara that she had not previously had health issues until she was exposed in the white phosphorus attack in 2008. The long lasting damage and effects of phosphorus continue to compound and become more and more disabling to this day, even after 16 years.

Here is her story in her own words (edited for clarity):

“Hi I'm Nara,

I'm a cancer and multiple sclerosis patient. I need treatment, examinations, and follow-up on a regular basis, but the hospitals in which I used to follow up were bombed and the other one was turned into military barracks. All I need now is to leave Gaza for treatment, preserve my life, and live with my family in peace.

We're a family of 4, including my 12 and 7 year old children.

I had been diagnosed with a tumor in the pancreas as a result of inhaling phosphorus in a previous war. A couple years after being exposed to phosphorus, I became pregnant, and the fetus was pressing on the tumor, which drew the doctor’s attention to the cancer. My fetus was emergency aborted, and the spleen, 80% of the pancreas, and part of the small intestine were removed. I complained every now and then of a lot of pain as a result of the removal of part of the pancreas. I was having follow up care in the Turkish Friendship Hospital for hematology and tumors. But since the beginning of October, I have not been able to follow up because the hospital has turned into a military barracks.

The remaining part is talking about multiple sclerosis:

In 2018, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. I had many complications, such as inflammation of the seventh nerve in the eye, the inability to walk with balance, movement with difficulty, and many symptoms. I was then required to take 12 injections every month and many medications and vitamins. I was following up at the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Yunis, but unfortunately the hospital was out of service due to the war. So for a long time I have not received any injections. MS is truly difficult and it controls my life completely, and the attacks occur in many and varied ways.”

A note about her breathing apparatus:

Because people in displacement have to wait in long queues and pay to use the bathroom, Nara had started to restrict her water intake because of a UTI she never has been able to heal from. This has created a problem with raised levels of potassium, so doctors have placed her on oxygen for fear of the potassium affecting her heart.

Goals

she needs at least $15,000 to evacuate

2 adults at $5,000 each

2 children at $2,500 each

this price is subject to increase due to the cost of registration for evacuation continuing to go up

The other money will go to the cost of treatment and living costs.

Nara chooses to stay anonymous because she has had to mask her disabilities so much that only her family knows about her MS and Cancer, so we have not linked her instagram, but we are in direct contact with her and can verify that she is who she says she is! Because of this, she cannot promote her own fundraiser, so it is our job to collectively do it for her!

[Image Description: a digital illustration by @k8deciccio of Nara, a Pal-eh-stienian woman wearing a black hijab/outfit with purple highlights. She has a breathing apparatus that is bulbous that goes in her nose. Text Reads: Help Narawith Cancer and MS Treatment, She Must Evacuate with her family of 4. $30k goal givebutter.com/NaraMedicalAid . There is a QR code in the bottom right corner that goes to her support link. The @FedUp4Palestine logo is in the top left corner.]

[mycsnavelyphotography]

Art History and AI “Disability and Art”

Many influential artists have lived with cognitive or physical disabilities, which have profoundly shaped their artistic expressions and creative processes. For instance, Frida Kahlo, who suffered from severe injuries sustained in a bus accident, often incorporated her physical pain and emotional struggles into her vivid self-portraits, using art as a means of personal expression and healing. Similarly, Henri Matisse faced significant challenges after a cancer surgery left him requiring the use of a wheelchair; instead of viewing his limitations as obstacles, he adapted by exploring new media, such as his famous paper cut-outs, which allowed him to continue producing vibrant works of art despite his physical constraints. Chuck Close, who experienced severe paralysis due to a spinal cord injury, developed innovative techniques by using a grid method to create his large-scale portraits, demonstrating how ingenuity can triumph over physical limitations. ​These artists exemplify resilience and creativity, illustrating that disability can offer profound insights and unique perspectives that enrich the art world.​ Their ability to adapt their techniques and subjects reflects not just their artistic talent but also their determination to express their experiences through art. ​Digital technology, especially generative AI, serves as a vital resource that enhances productivity and creativity for artists with cognitive or physical disabilities.​ These tools not only help in overcoming physical barriers but also empower artists to express their unique perspectives and experiences more effectively. The integration of generative AI within the creative process is revolutionizing how artists engage with their work, leading to greater inclusivity in the art world.

1. Accessibility Through Generative AI Generative AI tools have been instrumental in making art more accessible to individuals with disabilities. They provide mechanisms for artists to create content through non-traditional methods, such as text-to-image generation, thereby facilitating artistic expression for those who cannot physically manipulate traditional art materials. For example, people with mobility challenges can describe their artistic ideas using words, which the AI then transforms into visual art, broadening the scope of artistic creation.

2. Empowering Expression and Creativity Generative AI allows artists with cognitive disabilities to express their thoughts and emotions more freely. By providing adaptive tools such as sequenced art instructions and visual prompts, these technologies help break down complex tasks into manageable steps. This simplification supports artists in fully engaging with their creative process, fostering a productive environment that encourages artistic exploration and expression.

3. Enhancing Traditional Techniques Artists with physical disabilities are increasingly utilizing digital tools to adapt traditional art forms. Software like Adobe Creative Suite offers features that can be controlled via voice commands, making it easier for artists with motor impairments to manipulate images without traditional input devices. Similarly, eye-tracking technology enables individuals who are paralyzed to create digital art through gaze control, showcasing how technology can redefine the artistic process.

4. Generative AI in Community Engagement Generative AI also facilitates collaboration among artists, allowing them to connect with peers and audiences regardless of physical limitations. This social dimension enhances creativity by promoting exchanges of ideas, techniques, and experiences, which enrich the overall artistic community. For instance, platforms that support collaborative art can involve artists with disabilities in group projects, fostering a sense of inclusion.

5. Overcoming Creative Blockages Digital technology can also help artists overcome mental barriers associated with creativity. Tools that generate content can serve as inspiration, providing prompts or starting points for those who may struggle with traditional brainstorming methods. As such, generative AI acts as a catalyst for creativity, enabling artists to explore new directions and ideas without the fear of judgment or physical limitations.

6. Future Innovations and Inclusivity Looking ahead, advancements in digital technology promise to break even more barriers for artists with disabilities. Enhanced features in AI and assistive technology could further incorporate user feedback to improve functionality and accessibility. This development will ensure that disabled artists not only participate in the art world but also lead innovation, thereby reshaping perceptions and practices within the field.

Digital technology, particularly through generative AI, has become a powerful ally for artists with cognitive and physical disabilities, enhancing their creative capabilities and fostering a more inclusive art community. This transformation underscores the importance of ongoing technological advancements to support and empower all artists, regardless of their physical or cognitive limitations.

​Research indicates that generative AI may play a significant role in improving the prognosis of individuals with degenerative health problems such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.​ The use of generative AI in creating visual art has been observed to enhance cognitive engagement, emotional expression, and overall quality of life, serving as a vital therapeutic tool for these individuals.

Recent studies have highlighted the potential for generative AI to enhance cognitive abilities in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis. AI tools are being developed to support the diagnosis and treatment monitoring of MS, which may also include aspects of cognitive function. Specifically, generative AI can facilitate artistic expression, allowing users to engage creatively, which has been linked to improved cognitive outcomes and emotional well-being. By utilizing generative AI in art therapy contexts, patients have reported greater engagement and stimulation of cognitive processes important for managing MS.

In the realm of Parkinson’s disease, generative AI has demonstrated promising effects on enhancing cognitive skills and boosting emotional expression among patients. Art creation facilitated by AI tools can stimulate cognitive engagement, which is crucial in mitigating cognitive decline associated with Parkinson’s. A study noted that engaging in visual art through generative AI could lead to improved emotional health and cognitive function by encouraging self-expression and creativity in ways that traditional methods may not allow. This interaction can help develop coping strategies that enhance patients’ overall prognosis.

Generative AI tools have shown significant promise in supporting individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. Research suggests that these tools can stimulate cognitive processes affected by Alzheimer's through creative engagement, potentially delaying cognitive decline. Utilizing generative AI to create art allows individuals to explore memories and emotions visually, providing them a means to communicate feelings and experiences that may be difficult to express verbally. This artistic engagement has been linked to improved cognitive capabilities and emotional well-being, suggesting a beneficial relationship between art creation and prognosis in Alzheimer’s patients.

Case studies illustrate the therapeutic benefits of generative AI art creation for users with degenerative health conditions. For example, participants in a study involving generative AI-created imagery reported enhanced communication and socialization through shared visual memories during art therapy sessions. This form of therapy utilized generative AI to generate images that reflect patients' memories, promoting cognitive engagement and emotional connection. Such initiatives highlight the therapeutic potential of AI in improving both cognitive function and emotional health.

While emerging studies demonstrate the positive effects of generative AI on cognitive health in individuals with degenerative diseases, further research is warranted to explore these dynamics comprehensively. Longitudinal studies measuring cognitive improvements resulting from consistent engagement with generative art tools could provide more extensive validation of these therapeutic applications. Understanding the methodologies behind effective AI art therapy interventions will be crucial in maximizing their benefits for users with degenerative health issues. Generative AI presents a promising avenue for improving cognitive outcomes in individuals facing degenerative health conditions. It not only enhances artistic expression but also fosters emotional well-being and cognitive engagement essential for managing conditions like Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. More robust research is needed to further harness these technologies effectively in therapeutic frameworks.

About the image: This image is a combination of generative AI and old fashioned digital elbow grease. It is an on point representation of the cognitive brain fog often presents with my Multiple Sclerosis…

[yegarts]

“I Am YEG Arts” Series: Chris Dodd

Chris Dodd in Deafy, playing at the Citadel Theatre, photo provided.

Life is 10% of what happens to you and 90% of how you react to it. It’s a sentiment that Chris Dodd, a Deaf actor, playwright, and accessibility advocate, credits as the best advice he’s ever been given. In 2020, he trusted that advice again when he quit his full-time day job to become a working artist. How’s that working out? Well, let’s just say he’s been busy! Besides being cast in a feature film and published by Playwrights Canada Press, his most recent play, Deafy, can be seen at the Citadel Theatre, starting this weekend and running until February 12th.

Actor, playwright, and artistic director of SOUND OFF—this week’s “I Am YEG Arts” story belongs to Chris Dodd.

Tell us about your connection to Edmonton and why you’ve made it your home.

I’m an Edmontonian born and raised. I grew up on the south side near Mill Creek, and Whyte Ave has always been my lifeline. I travelled up and down that road for school and work, twice daily, for some 30 years before I finally moved further south. Now that I am an established artist, I am often working across Canada, but Edmonton is still always my home. You really can’t beat the artistic community here, so I’m always happy to return.

When you were first starting out, what was it about the arts that made you feel like it could be your community?

In my final year of my drama degree at the U of A, I met Ashley Wright, a local professional actor, when we were performing in an MFA project together. Ashley and I agreed to write a play together, which resulted in the show Silent Words, which was performed at the Edmonton Fringe the following year. The show turned out to be a critical success and was held over at Theatre Network. Later that year, we won three Sterling Awards for the show, and from that moment on I knew I had found a place in the community.

How did you get your start as a playwright?

I’ve been writing plays since my teens. I got my start when my drama teacher in high school asked me to write the year-end show for Grade 12. This resulted in a deeply personal show called Bridge to Nowhere about my feelings on hearing loss at that time. In my later teens and early adulthood, I took advantage of a number of opportunities for emerging young playwrights, including the Citadel’s Teen Festival of the Arts, NextFest, and workshops with Theatre Network and Workshop West, which included a writing class with Conni Massing. I later had the opportunity to take a workshop with the late Sharon Pollock at the U of A.

Top: Chris Dodd in Silent Words, photo provided. Bottom: Queen Seraphina and the Land of Vertebraat, photo provided.

What themes are you drawn to as a storyteller?

Naturally, I gravitate towards Deaf themes but also focus on inclusion, identity, the sense of belonging, and justice. However, I also love writing comedy, and I am particularly proud of my play, Deafy, especially as there are so many funny moments in it that always get big laughs from the audiences. Sometimes I write plays that use metaphors for deafness. For example, Big Ear, which I wrote for Concrete Theatre’s recent Sprouts Festival, has no Deaf characters in it. Instead, the lead character of Maggie sports enormous ears, which she tries to hide from her classmates, an allusion to my past use of hearing aids and how I always felt they made my ears conspicuous.

Tell us a little about your role with SOUND OFF and what makes it special to you and the city.

SOUND OFF, which I’m the founder and artistic director of, is Canada’s national festival devoted to the Deaf performing arts that takes place annually at the Arts Barns. It was founded in 2017 with support from Workshop West, and it previously operated alongside the Chinook Series Festival at the Arts Barns. As of last year, it became an independent event, and we will be celebrating our 7th annual edition at the end of March. We are fully hybrid, and we offer both live and online plays, readings, workshops, panels, plus our annual improv collaborations with Rapid Fire Theatre. It is a unique opportunity for Edmonton audiences to come out and appreciate Deaf talent from across Canada and their stories.

Tell us about the best advice you’ve ever received and the last time you called on it.

“Life is 10% of what happens to you and 90% of how you react to it.” In 2020, I stopped trying to juggle both a full-time job and my artistic pursuits, and I quit to become a working artist. Making a career switch is stressful in any circumstance, but it was especially challenging during a pandemic. But I pushed myself to adapt to working online and doing more filmed work, and I actually became quite busy during that period. My biggest project during that time happened to be a live event, where I was in Winnipeg during the spring of 2021 for a month shooting a feature film with careful COVID protocols in place. That was a huge opportunity that I would not have been able to take had I still been at my day job.

Who’s someone inspiring you right now?

Most definitely Troy Kotsur, a Deaf actor who won an Academy Award for the film CODA last year. He was the first Deaf actor to win the award in 36 years. In his acceptance speech, Troy credited his success as an actor to his many years of working within Deaf theatre. He has significantly elevated the recognition of Deaf actors and proven that Deaf actors are actors, period.

Chris Dodd in Deafy at the SummerWorks Performance Festival in Toronto, photo provided.

Tell us about your upcoming play, Deafy, and what the highs and the lows have been so far.

Deafy has been in development for the past five years. It started off with assistance from Vern Thiessen, who was then the artistic director of Workshop West. After a period of readings and rewrites, it was accepted to the SummerWorks Performance Festival in Toronto in 2019 and received critical acclaim. We had many plans to take the play further and start mounting a tour, but then COVID happened, and everything needed to be put on hold. We had a remount during the Fringe in 2021 and an Ontario tour in the spring of 2022, and now we’re excited about being able to present this again to Edmonton’s audiences at the Citadel Theatre this January (January 21st to February 12th).

How do you hope to help shape Edmonton’s arts community?

I hope to contribute to the cultural diversity in this city and make it a bit better, brighter, and more accessible. I love consulting, and I am always happy to connect with people, whether formally or informally, to talk about how we can make things better not only for Deaf audiences and performers but also for artists and audiences with disabilities. SOUND OFF is a great start for exposing Edmonton audiences to the talents and stories of our many wonderful performers from across Canada. I have even bigger plans ahead, and I can’t think of a more fantastic and vibrant city than Edmonton in which to do them.

Describe your perfect day in Edmonton. How do you spend it?

Obviously, you’ve got to start with a hearty breakfast. There are so many great local breakfast spots, but Tasty Tom’s on Whyte Ave is always a great bet. Then head to the river valley to burn off some of those calories on the trails, and then perhaps wind up at the Muttart Conservatory to take in the feature pyramid and breathe in some tropical air, especially if it’s winter. Next, a late lunch at Culina on-site before shopping on Whyte Ave. Then I’d head off to see a show at Workshop West or Varscona—or even Rapid Fire’s soon-to-be-opened digs at the old telephone museum. Then I’d finish up the evening with a local craft beer and a late-night snack at one of the many nearby breweries, such as Blind Enthusiasm or Situation Brewing.

Want more YEG Arts Stories? We’ll be sharing them here all year and on social media using the hashtag #IamYegArts. Follow along! Click here to learn more about Chris Dodd, and here to find tickets info to see Deafy at the Citadel Theatre, January 21 to February 12.

Elizabeth Morris and Chris Dodd star as Miranda and Alphonse in Adam Pottle’s Ultrasound at Theatre Passe Muraille. Photo by Michael Cooper.

About Chris Dodd

Chris Dodd is a Treaty 6-based (Edmonton) award-winning Deaf actor, playwright, accessibility advocate, and Governor General Innovation Award finalist. He is the founder and artistic director of SOUND OFF, Canada’s national festival devoted to Deaf performance. Chris holds a degree from the University of Alberta’s Drama program and has been working within Edmonton’s theatre community, and across Canada, for over 25 years. His play, Deafy, recently toured Ontario and will be presented as part of Highwire Series at the Citadel Theatre’s 2022/23 season. The play was recently published by Playwrights Canada Press as part of the anthology, Interdependent Magic: Disability Performance in Canada. Notable performances include the role of Alphonse in Ultrasound at Theatre Passe Muraille. Recent film credits include the role of Odin in the upcoming feature film, Finality of Dusk. In 2019 he was the recipient of the Guy Laliberté Prize for innovation and creative leadership by the Canada Council for the Arts.

[angledartstudio]

NEW BLOG POST Does Fine Art have a problem with disability?

Ah its finally out there into the world. My opinion piece asking the question if the Fine Art world has a problem with disability, whilst sharing some of my own personal experiences.

I plan to expand on this further in the future, but for now, curl up with a cuppa and enjoy a good read whilst asking yourself the same question.

https://www.angledstudio.com/post/does-fine-art-have-problem-disability

[thelupusvampire]

Where You End and I Begin. 10" x 13". 2020.

Award: 2nd Place Juror's Award, Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, Juror Beth Saunders

"Two queer, gender-non conforming, and disabled bodies morphing together, becoming one monstrosity. A visual of codependency in relationships, and more specifically, the blurred lines of where disability care ends and intimacy begins."

Copyright Ruby Bassford. @thelupusvampire

[paulbrain]

Brain Pieces Series 000 is the beginning of all 腦明道 Paul Brain Art Series 2021. 03 – 2021. 10 mixed media including acrylic paint, sumi ink, and sharpie on canvas 36 x 48 inches 91.44 x 121.92 cm © Paul Brain 2021 From Connection Exhibition in McMullen Gallery Edmonton traveling to Taipei Taiwan for 2 ArtFairs + 3 Solo Exhibitions Brain Chapter 1-3 腦之道三部曲 首部曲［重生］ Chapter 1 : Reborn 二部曲［向死而生］ Chapter 2 : Brain being towards Death 三部曲［共生］ Chapter 3 : Symbiosis 🧠一個狂人的［腦］後記：痛會過去，美會留下！ 亞洲首站在台北，30天內，談+執行（ 3個展 / 10個聯名合作藝術家、音樂家、DJ live、 潮流媒體 ），Paul Brain 用速度的執行力累積經驗值，累爆大家的行程表，你本人就是一個狂的符號學��謝謝各界的協力相助！love & hugs ! 也恭喜你開始累積藏家！ Art is life. Live like an Artist ! Special thanks to @enoch.eth @garmi.l Powered by @canada.council @calgaryartsdev #art #calgary #calgaryartist #canadianartist #canadaart #chineseart #chineseartist #Hongkongart #hongkongartist #internationalartist #contemporary #contemporaryart #contemporaryartist #disabilityart #disabilityartist #strokesurvivor #braininjury #epileptic #epilepsy #brain #artbrain #artislife #love (at Taipei, Taiwan) https://www.instagram.com/p/CqBkkhhyhGz/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[drawingmaster64]

Muscular Largo

digitalart #otaku#manga#oc #anime#drawing#kawaii #mangartist #owncharacters#freehanddrawing #doodlesketch#creative#doodling#art#artist#mangart#aspergerart#autisticartist#disabilityart#hardworkingartist #talentedartists#

[creativelearningcentre]

Pottery session with Pea from The Peculiar Gallery #pottery #disabilityarts

[y4y]

Opening tomorrow!

Running from 27th - 31st July. 11am - 6pm

Come down to the Bargehouse, Oxo Tower.

So excited to finally have the space to do an installation. Thank you to amazing @cglartschool staff that made this possible.

(at The Oxo Tower, Southbank)

[fruitcakecreatives]

Its certnially a beauitfull day the Magnoier tress r stuning..the sun us shining and the light is increadabial.....and so I thought I'd share it here...this is really a beautyfull tree. Wishing u all happy #easter #artsistworking #artistwalk #artdealer #contemporaryart #treesofinstagram #trees #magnolia #camberwell #londonlife #tourism #spring #emergingartist #weshallnotberemoved #mentalhealth #disabilityarts #wellnessjourney #wellbeingjourney #photooftheday #photographer #flowerseastgallery #flowers https://www.instagram.com/p/CNPufIvFzUA/?igshid=lb7aa9u1fqju

[alanhopwood-blog]

Continuing with my mini virtual exhibition. #dailyart #modernart #instaart #instagallery #creative #mixedmedia #contemporarypainting #aesthetics #originalart #artists #disabilityarts #abstractartistsofinstagram #emergingartist #instagallery #disabledartist #outsiderart #modernabstract #abstractaddict #absractartorg #konst #britishart #britishartist #artexhibition #virtualexhibition #virtualgallery #yellowtones #myart https://www.instagram.com/p/CCJAO1rntaM/?igshid=1h6pblin4qqw6

[cliffdidanelvis]

Skerries in the Sun #disabledartist #disabledart #disabledartistofinstagram #disabilityarts #disabilityart #disabled #disability #beginnerartist #beginnerart #beginnerartwork #art #artofinstagram #watercolor #watercolour #watercolorpainting #watercolouring #coronapainting #artbeginner #artfun #haha #neverpaintedbefore #painting #paint #blue #yellow #orkney #skerries #skerriesbistro #scotland #figures (at Skerries Bistro) https://www.instagram.com/p/CAOyZMOgr09/?igshid=61kp786wak8e

[laurencemorganart]

A portrait. It's on the reverse of a tile. Dimensions 31.5 x 35 cms #comtemporary #artfromtheartist #artist #portrait #contemporaryartist #tbi #nondominanthanddrawing #disabilityarts #farnhamartist #hampshire (at Farnham) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4Pj-N8naFY/?igshid=5qlm4ix4tk54

[angledartstudio]

My first draft is finished!! I am working on an opinion piece about disabled artists who have experienced Ableism within the art world. I'd love to hear from you. If you have any experiences or views to share on the topic email me at: kay@angledstudio.com #disability #disabledartist #disabilityrights #disabilityawareness #artist #artistsupportpledge #weareartful #equality #equalrights #disabledblogger #disabilityarts #artistsoninstagram #artistsofinstagram https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl32OUasJ44/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[thelupusvampire]

Masking. 13" x 10". 2020.

Copyright Ruby Bassford. @thelupusvampire

[paulbrain]

Entered into Valhalla from ⚔️ a Tonic-Clonic Seizure ⚡ This is why I've been telling everyone:" With ART ∆ I only gamble infinitely with all of my Life⚡" ° 腦明道 🧠 Paul Brain • ❤️‍🩹 Saving this Artist with Love @garmi.l @sam @albertahealthservices @skilouise #banffmineralspringshospital π∆• #tonicclonicseizures #grandmalseizures #seizures #strokesurvivor #stroke #disability #disabilityart #disabilityartist #art #artist #miracle #love #canadianartist #Canada #hongkongart #hongkongartist #finestart #contemporaryart #Calgaryartist #Calgaryart #brain #braininjury #invisibledisability #artislifeback (at Banff Mineral Springs Hospital) https://www.instagram.com/p/CoX8YiNSXEM/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=