Articles
Chronic Pain: Understanding Through the Use of Art, by Henare, Hocking and Smyth
“A phenomenological study “Chronic Pain: Gaining Understanding Through the Use of Art” that appeared in the British Journal of Occupational Therapy, which supported the use of art as an expressive medium, explored the lived experience of a small group of people ranging from 27 to 63 years old who were attending a one-month pain management program in New Zealand.”
The program participants were invited to create a visual image of their pain and to later write a narrative, which was then taped, about their pain story portrayed in the artwork. Each individual’s experience was reflected by the colors, images, and words inserted into the picture. Some themes that emerged were loss of self, redefining self, “gaining pain and losing self,” the experience of chronic pain as a journey, and the struggle to remain hopeful.” - HealthCentral.com
Artists Take a Look at Chronic Pain and Mental Health, by Kristen Armstrong
Armstrong has gathered 2D and 3D art created by people who live with chronic pain. This article shows the power art has to communicate this message. The migraine sculpture really resonates with me.
Show Don’t Tell, How Visuals Improve Healthcare Visits, by Katie McCurdy
McCurdy (of Pictal Health) talks about alternate ways to envision long term health challenges as well as how to use these visuals to better communicate with your doctor.
My Body is a Clock: The Private Life of Chronic Care, NY Times 6/29/2023
Sara J. Winston is an artist and the photography program coordinator at Bard College. She documents her experience with infusions and chronic pain with photographs every 28 days.