Poser by Alice Wisden
Painting
Artist statement:I developed epilepsy in 2009 at the beginning of my professional career after completing my BA degree at Wimbledon College of art. Suffering up to 10 tonic-clonic seizures a week I had to move back to my parents to be cared for by my mother. Unable to be left alone I lost my independence and self-esteem leading to severe anxiety and mental health problems. After being diagnosed with epilepsy I spent several years barely leaving my parents basement or waking up in hospital and trialling different combinations and doses of medication attempting to stabilise my condition. My seizures terrified me and those around me but I am now finally able to travel independently and re engage in the advancement of my art practice for the first time outside of Brighton.
Developing a neurological disability has triggered an interest in the idea of art as an additional aid to pharmaceutical medication. Newly inspired by a potentially very destructive time in my practice I have gained new insight into the power that artistic processes can have on cognitive recovery after seizures. Creating work in two very differently affected mental states of consciousness has opened me up to new conflicting questions about the work I create.
SICK ARTISTS CLUB
Alice Wisden
Poser by Alice Wisden
Painting
Artist statement:I developed epilepsy in 2009 at the beginning of my professional career after completing my BA degree at Wimbledon College of art. Suffering up to 10 tonic-clonic seizures a week I had to move back to my parents to be cared for by my mother. Unable to be left alone I lost my independence and self-esteem leading to severe anxiety and mental health problems. After being diagnosed with epilepsy I spent several years barely leaving my parents basement or waking up in hospital and trialling different combinations and doses of medication attempting to stabilise my condition. My seizures terrified me and those around me but I am now finally able to travel independently and re engage in the advancement of my art practice for the first time outside of Brighton.
Developing a neurological disability has triggered an interest in the idea of art as an additional aid to pharmaceutical medication. Newly inspired by a potentially very destructive time in my practice I have gained new insight into the power that artistic processes can have on cognitive recovery after seizures. Creating work in two very differently affected mental states of consciousness has opened me up to new conflicting questions about the work I create.