Echoes

This piece is a conversation between chaos and rhythm, where dots, textures, and layers reveal more than they hide. Deep purples, blacks, and bursts of golden yellow move through the canvas like echoes—some loud, some fading, but all connected. Painting this taught me that patterns emerge even in disorder and that sometimes, looking closer brings a whole new perspective.

Did you ever paint or undertake other creative pursuits prior to your diagnosis?

I painted a little after college, no training or lessons, just me, in my garage, slinging paint for something to do.

What was your inspiration to start painting?

Out of the blue on night on a PD sleepless night, I pulled out some of my daughters old painting supplies and started to play around. I was frustrated with not sleeping and was tired of dead scrolling online so it was more out of being desperate to “do something” that painting became my thing to turn to. After a few nights of doing this, I bought some “real” painting supplies and haven’t stopped yet. Luckily, my sleep has gotten better so now my painting happens at normal hours:)

Did you ever paint or undertake other creative pursuits prior to your diagnosis?

I am not sure I have hit that place where I think I am good. However, when I posted some videos of myself painting, many people reached out wanting to purchase my art. I still feel like an imposter and I never set out with the intention to sell my art- it’s just kinda unfolded that way.

Do feel that there is a link between the drive that led you to become a sub-elite marathoner and athlete and your artistic / creative impulse?

Interesting question… I am not sure there is a correlation per se regarding my drive in athletics and painting, it may actually be the opposite. In my athletic endeavors, I was very good at being in physical discomfort. I knew how to push through and numb my screaming body. When I paint, I am extremely present in the moment. My mind is quiet and at peace. I am not numbing or hurting – in fact, I feel at ease and calm, which is not the same as when I am pushing through a physical event.

You seem drawn to bright and cheerful colors. Has that evolved over time? Is it a conscious choice?

Funny story, when I started painting, pink was the only thing I reached for. All different versions of pink. Soon after I started painting I read “Dopamine Nation” and learned that pink physically allows your brain to release Dopamine which is the very chemical we lose in Parkinson’s. It is a perfect example of the body intuitively knowing what it needs. That is why my tag line is Dopamine Maker or Dopamine Dealer! Overtime, I have added more variety to my color choices, but out of the hundreds of pieces I have painted, every single one has a tad of pink, even if underneath the finished painting.

Are there any other questions that I haven’t asked but you think is important to cover?

I’ll volunteer my thoughts and if you are interested in including, please do, but don’t feel you need to! Painting has given me the gift of letting go of the outcome. Life with Pd has a way of making us feel out of control. Each day can be different and the future we thought we would have is no longer so clear. When I start a painting, I do not have an expectation as to what it will end up being. For me there is relief in the process of not knowing when I paint. I am not a trained artist, I do not have rules or regulations, I am not painting for any other reason than to paint. Each piece has multiple layers underneath the final painting and this is an analogy to me of what having PD is. A time to let go, trust the process and know things typically can be ugly along the way, but if we keep going, things usually turn out.

Used by permission of the artist.