https://theartofepilepsy.squarespace.com/home daily 1.0 2026-07-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/ceb277b8-6ba6-48a3-8261-400376e0e6db/The+Transformation+.jpg https://theartofepilepsy.squarespace.com/about daily 0.75 2024-09-18 https://theartofepilepsy.squarespace.com/contact daily 0.75 2024-09-08 https://theartofepilepsy.squarespace.com/generalized daily 0.75 2024-03-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/c0022ffd-9100-4a37-9673-7132cf1d004d/Generalized+Seizure.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/c0022ffd-9100-4a37-9673-7132cf1d004d/Generalized+Seizure.jpg https://theartofepilepsy.squarespace.com/new-page-1 daily 0.75 2024-03-28 https://theartofepilepsy.squarespace.com/new-page-2 daily 0.75 2024-03-28 https://theartofepilepsy.squarespace.com/new-page-3 daily 0.75 2024-03-28 https://theartofepilepsy.squarespace.com/donate daily 0.75 2024-04-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/80f05a68-7948-49db-a46b-ce97b389b215/The+Gift.JPG https://theartofepilepsy.squarespace.com/store daily 0.75 2024-04-08 https://theartofepilepsy.squarespace.com/portfolio daily 0.75 2025-09-10 https://theartofepilepsy.squarespace.com/portfolio/project-two-ky966-nal7t monthly 0.5 2025-09-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/c0022ffd-9100-4a37-9673-7132cf1d004d/Generalized+Seizure.jpg Portfolio - Project 1 Generalized Seizures: The pipe cleaners on the head represent the seizure, which affects the entire brain and causes the person to become unconscious. The black color represents shame and stigma. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/a395954d-fd22-4228-aa0e-eae0e3dacdce/Focal+Seizure.jpg Portfolio - Project 1 Focal Seizures: The pipe cleaners in this image symbolize a focal seizure. Individuals experiencing focal seizures may have auras before the seizure occurs, which can manifest as unusual sensations, tastes, or smells. I aimed to capture this feeling through the designs on the face. During the seizure, a person may stare with wide-open eyes or be unresponsive for a few seconds to several minutes. The tissue paper represents the out-of-body experience that I occasionally felt. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/e892d9f2-1603-4afa-9b28-51939463bf94/I+Don%27t+Want+to+Talk+About+It%21+.jpg Portfolio - Project 1 I don't want to talk about it! This piece is intended to feel hollow, cold, and lifeless. The metal symbolizes armor; it shields what is difficult to share, such as feelings of isolation, loneliness, and sadness. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/77b2a3ec-5456-484c-98b5-00901d3335a1/Lost+Within.jpg Portfolio - Project 1 Lost Within: Individuals in the epilepsy community frequently undergo numerous medication changes, which can lead to feelings of numbness, fogginess, lethargy, and difficulty concentrating. This sculpture seeks to convey this experience. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/b01efe35-76dd-403f-9fab-3fcda625d031/Starting+Over%2C+Again%21+.jpg Portfolio - Project 1 Starting Over, Again! While depression is often discussed, anger tends to receive less attention. Due to my seizures, I've lost my independence. The color red represents my anger, and the keys symbolize that loss of independence; everyone else had the keys, but I did not. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/175e241a-5bb1-439c-a242-9d5f122a5300/Shh....+Don%27t+Talk+About+It%21.jpg Portfolio - Project 1 Shh... Don't Talk About It! This piece is intended to evoke feelings of ugliness, loneliness, struggle, and stigma. It represents shame and fear. Sharing experiences about seizures can be challenging, as individuals may be viewed as liabilities, unemployable, unworthy, or subject to bullying by society. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/57f1a929-9f05-4822-9c4c-0eef1aba1e09/My+External+Hard+Drives+.jpg Portfolio - Project 1 My External Hard Drives: This piece is intended to evoke memories of loss. Everyone had my memories except for me. I felt like the seizures took my memory; the broken CD at the base of the sculpture illustrates this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/e7e755df-4cc9-4f90-a4a3-de81b72a693e/Secure+The+Perimeter.jpg Portfolio - Project 1 Securing the Perimeter: This piece illustrates the fear my support system had for me because, while living with seizures, I could not see the frightening parts of the world. I had tunnel vision. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/d3d90b4e-037c-4c79-b0cf-98ac71243f96/I+Do+It+Myself%21+.jpg Portfolio - Project 1 I Do It Myself! I wanted my independence during seizures; over-monitoring maked me feel trapped and reactive. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/87882e7a-0fa2-4cab-a8c2-b724af76ed0d/We+We%27re+Looking+For+Hope%21+.jpg Portfolio - Project 1 We Were Looking For Hope This piece illustrates the burden of epilepsy on the individual and their family, who feel depressed, hopeless, and discouraged. The white birds symbolize hope and the possibility of brain surgery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/ceb277b8-6ba6-48a3-8261-400376e0e6db/The+Transformation+.jpg Portfolio - Project 1 The Transformation: This piece reflects my experience with brain surgery. The mechanics on the face symbolize how my seizures impacted my speech and reading comprehension. After the surgery, my abilities began to flourish, represented by the flowers and butterflies on the sculpture. The distortion of the face signifies the changes I underwent, including a shift in my identity. https://theartofepilepsy.squarespace.com/portfolio/project-two-ky966-g9ar8 monthly 0.5 2025-09-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/208f63ee-fd13-4fdf-929b-683d7265d968/We%27re+Off+to+See+The+Wizard.jpg Portfolio - Project 2 We're Off to See the Wizard: This piece reflects my expectations of what brain surgery would be like. I am represented as Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz, wearing ruby slippers. I have traveled the Yellow Brick Road with my family and friends and have now reached the Emerald City (hospital), where Oz (the doctor) informed me that I am a candidate for surgery. However, my face is covered, leaving me unaware of the journey ahead. The six wands symbolize the wishes granted by six people. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/0c84dd09-8f21-452f-9fda-4da52a3c023b/Blind+.jpg Portfolio - Project 2 Blind: This piece represents the burden of normality. The eyes are missing, symbolizing a loss of identity. The sculpture is covered in shattered bits of broken glass to create an ice sculpture effect. I had to release everything I once knew and be open to embrace a new version of myself. However, I needed more resources and guidance to facilitate this transition. Things were great immediately after surgery, but they were about to topple! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/51d81acd-61af-4cc5-95e1-82df449973ba/tempImageLZOAjJ.png Portfolio - Project 2 Get Over It! This piece explores the burden of sudden independence. The head of the sculpture is designed to convey a sense of being overwhelmed by information. On the neck of the sculpture are the phrases "I cannot, I am inferior, I am incapable, and learned helplessness." These words keep me trapped and bound in chains. The title "Get Over It" reflects the societal messages I encountered when struggling to adjust. Ultimately, we are all trying to "get over it." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/130767c0-4417-4bbd-bc50-792ad714737b/My+Game+of+Life+.jpg Portfolio - Project 2 My Game of Life This piece symbolizes my struggle to learn budgeting and understand societal rules and norms. I found the Monopoly board game to be a fitting representation of this journey. The face is covered with the game’s instructions, and the forehead reads, "Help, I Cannot Pay!" The hat is adorned with bills and expenses. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/cb3f186b-a559-4583-879a-6400fc8a1088/Outburst%21.jpg Portfolio - Project 2 Outburst! This piece illustrates how I masked my sadness and depression. I was often angry and struggled to understand social rules, which left me unsure of how to be assertive. The comical cards balanced on my head represent different forms of anger, bringing levity to a difficult situation. This was a challenging time for our family, and I am grateful for the progress I have made. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/c1950243-2ced-48de-a242-561942c37417/Lady+Liberty+Meets+Frankenstien.jpg Portfolio - Project 2 Lady Liberty Meets Frankenstein This piece is painted in three colors. The first color is yellow, which reflects the joy and happiness I experienced in the year following my surgery. I had regained my independence, and it was thrilling! However, this happiness was quickly overshadowed by green, representing feelings of guilt and disgust. Finally, the color black symbolizes shame. I struggled to understand social norms, I felt like I wasn’t succeeding, and I began to see myself as a failure. My crown of independence, instead of being a symbol of achievement, felt more like a crown of thorns, illustrated by the nails on my head. The medicine bottles around my neck represent my dependence on medication, highlighting the challenges my doctor and I faced when we attempted to manage my condition without success. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/815bccbd-6376-43e5-9c63-377fe5d8306b/Trauma+of+Epilepsy+.jpg Portfolio - Project 2 The Trauma of Epilepsy The white sculpture represents my childlike perspective before surgery. I felt as if a white veil was over my face, signifying my innocent view of life; I believed everyone was a 'good' person. In contrast, the black sculpture illustrates how my perspective changed after surgery. The eyes are covered, symbolizing my reluctance to confront the reality I was born into. The eyes are concealed with rocks, representing the weight of this burden. The hair is colored to reflect my distorted thoughts, and my lips have turned red, illustrating the anger I felt. Half of my face is distorted, showcasing how this experience altered my perception of myself. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/8e2aaca8-2fd2-4944-b739-4aad05a1a8a1/Take+a+Back+Seat+Angry+Critic%21.jpg Portfolio - Project 2 Take a Back Seat, Angry Critic I was asked to create a piece about self-criticism in relation to epilepsy. This artwork is adorned with shredded cardboard scraps. When you talk to yourself negatively, it prevents you from soaring; instead, you remain trapped in a cage created by your own thoughts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/c047834e-8c81-494f-97eb-f5aa3a2716f4/The+Funeral+1%3A2.jpg Portfolio - Project 2 The Funeral (Part 1 of 2): This piece reflects my sadness regarding the loss of memories from my childhood and early adulthood. The blue flowers symbolize my parents, illustrating their struggle and my inability to connect with them. The empty head emphasizes this profound sense of loss. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/66c7b242-4a42-4e0c-a29d-ff60edf9330f/The+Funeral+2%3A2.jpg Portfolio - Project 2 The Funeral (Part 2 of 2) This piece represents the weight of my loss. The blue colors symbolize my sadness and grief. I aimed for this artwork to reflect my adult self, with a black veil covering my face, while the roots signify what I have lost—my memories. The red rose represents what I carry to place at the site of the white sculpture mentioned in the previous slide. It is my way of honoring my loss. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/45e5fcfe-924c-49aa-870a-a61939ba6be6/Codependency+.jpg Portfolio - Project 2 Codependency: This piece illustrates two interconnected sculptures, symbolizing their mutual dependence. Codependency is often observed in individuals with epilepsy, where establishing boundaries can be challenging after surgery. As people begin to explore their independence, their relationships may evolve. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/f8e92487-ad61-47b9-91c2-1a7438358365/Breaking+Away+From+Codependency+.jpg Portfolio - Project 2 Breaking Away from Codependency My confidence is emerging, much like the change in seasons. I am growing stronger and beginning to understand my values. However, I still feel some unease about this journey. I have often tried to please everyone, which has created a sense of restriction. At the base of this transformation, there are chains representing my struggle to break free from codependency, and tears on the face of the sculpture symbolize my uncertainty about myself. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/0c5b3cb6-c798-4c83-bde6-bdd8ccb923aa/Healthy+Boundaries+.jpg Portfolio - Project 2 Healthy Boundaries This piece is well-organized and structured, illustrating how my relationships improved after I learned to establish healthy boundaries. The image of my mouth being covered represents how I stopped lashing out. The bird on my head, which is in an open cage, symbolizes the ability to choose when to connect with other birds. It exemplifies having healthy boundaries in physical spaces. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/720c0afe-2a66-49c0-995b-6257006bdb36/Self-Validation+.jpg Portfolio - Project 2 Self-Validation When I learned the importance of self-validation, I was able to break free from the cage that had kept me captive. I wanted this piece to appear light, soft, and gentle. I had to see validation modeled by others before I could understand how to give it to myself. The three birds symbolize three influential role models who taught me about self-validation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/56eac258-7314-4339-be5f-44678d3da6fe/Self-Compassion+.jpg Portfolio - Project 2 Self-Compassion This piece is intended to have an introspective quality, with eyes closed. I have learned to love and be kind to myself. The birds symbolize the individuals who modeled compassion for me and served as instructors along my journey. The butterflies represent my transformation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/0826365a-4ca9-417d-af2e-2eea35f8e6a7/Acceptance+.jpg Portfolio - Project 2 Acceptance This was the first piece I created among all my sculptures. It represents my acceptance of living with epilepsy. I learned that I could live with seizures throughout my life. Despite the pain, I discovered that I could still create a life worth living. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/6abc6391-c3c4-451e-9238-469ca454c10a/Forgiveness+.jpg Portfolio - Project 2 Forgiveness This piece focuses on forgiving myself and others. It features two seasons: the thawing of winter and the arrival of spring. It reflects a release and aims to be expansive! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/caa9e769-9d76-4124-9e10-6d1d2cf689ca/The+Authentic+Self+.jpg Portfolio - Project 2 The Authentic Self This piece is valuable, illustrating how I chose to live by my values. Summer has arrived, and I am enjoying the life I built. The butterflies at the base symbolize freedom. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/8b9b6fea-fd13-46f6-993b-50c4f07ab56b/Elephant+in+the+Room+.jpg Portfolio - Project 2 The Elephant in the Room This piece is intended to illustrate how our brains are rewiring after surgery, yet there are limited rehabilitation programs available to assist with this transition. The puzzle pieces at the base symbolize how we attempt to piece everything together, but additional support would be greatly appreciated. The hole in the head features a stack of Legos, representing the healing part of the brain that is trying to form new connections but hasn't succeeded yet. https://theartofepilepsy.squarespace.com/portfolio/project-three monthly 0.5 2025-09-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/7afaf7ac-572f-47d9-a770-74caabcd2054/Reconstructing+Identity+.jpg Portfolio - Project 3 Reconstructing Identity This piece demonstrates how I rebuilt my identity after surgery. I attempted to piece everything back together, but not every part fit perfectly. It’s like trying to assemble a puzzle without sight or the necessary tools. That’s why some pieces are flipped upside down, and why the eyes are covered. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/6b8416fa-4e4d-4813-965e-8aa76924612d/Frozen.jpg Portfolio - Project 3 Frozen This piece expresses the heightened anxiety I felt after surgery. The curly hair symbolizes this anxiety, while the wide eyes convey a sense of shock. The black-and-white color scheme reflects my polarized thoughts, which contributed to my feelings of anxiety. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/0797d6ba-8195-444c-aba0-71971479ef7a/Death+to+Dependency+.jpg Portfolio - Project 3 Death to Dependence This piece reflects my experience of overcoming dependence. I have my eyes covered in gold, reminiscent of ancient practices where coins were placed over the eyes of the deceased to keep them shut. I have also placed a coin on my throat that reads, "Your past does not determine who you are; your past prepares you for who you are to become." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/7954876a-b853-4dac-91e1-9541340739b7/Self-Doubt+.jpg Portfolio - Project 3 Self-Doubt This sculpture is made of bronze to symbolize my improving self-esteem, yet I still grappled with self-doubt. The downward gaze of the eyes represents that uncertainty. As I began to trust in my ability to express myself, my self-doubt diminished. This transformation is illustrated by the keys at the base of the sculpture and on the throat. My key to confidence was learning to express myself assertively and to stop doubting my abilities. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/82c21e8c-9b9a-4b25-a7e0-6f60b9c8af10/Willingness.jpg Portfolio - Project 3 Oh, The Places You'll Go! This piece represents my curiosity in exploring independence. I have my hands open at the sides of the neck to convey a willing stance. I placed a map around the head along with door knobs, suggesting that if I am open to possibilities, doors will open for me. The coins at the base feature inspirational quotes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/21df816e-c8dd-4944-95fc-07fba1f3aa20/Emerging+.jpg Portfolio - Project 3 Emerging This piece depicts a winter scene, capturing one of winter's first snows. I am beginning to emerge. I doubt myself less and am starting to believe in myself. I have hope for my future. https://theartofepilepsy.squarespace.com/portfolio/project-four monthly 0.5 2025-09-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/d7120386-235f-45ac-9252-8586eff5e2a3/Fear+of+Vulnerability+.jpg Portfolio - Project 4 Fear of Vulnerability This piece reflects the concept of armor. It is fully covered in metal, with shields raised and armor in place. I have attached several metal washers over the heart, along with quotes about hope, dreams, and the future, which I carry close to my heart. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/026ad505-da65-4b20-9448-50a1b6266cbc/Mending.jpg Portfolio - Project 4 Mending This piece explores the journey of healing after the emotional trauma caused by epilepsy. The band-aids symbolize the process of recovery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/3fac5d2d-3274-49f0-84b3-5ac75cc7c621/Releasing+Lables+.jpg Portfolio - Project 4 Releasing Labels This piece reflects how I used mindfulness to let go of negative self-labels, allowing me to fully enjoy the present moment rather than feeling overwhelmed. The black sculpture represents my former tendency to shut down, while the other sculpture illustrates my new ability to embrace the moment. The sculpture on the left features an open door, with memories flowing out, alongside blank labels to which I no longer feel attached. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/da729a76-51c5-4cca-96ee-ea6c53d7a58f/What%27s+Being+Mourned%3F+.jpg Portfolio - Project 4 What’s Being Mourned? This piece reflects my experience with sadness. I selected quotes about grief and arranged them across the breastplate, alongside characteristics of joy. I believe you cannot selectively numb your emotions. When I allowed myself to feel sadness, I also discovered joy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/83506d5c-e42b-4ee5-b39c-1c45f8c15da2/What%27s+Being+Born%3F.jpg Portfolio - Project 4 What's Being Born? This piece symbolizes self-compassion and self-love. I selected quotes that illustrate self-kindness and self-love for this work, along with flowers that represent growth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/be152793-cb2f-4a9e-aa78-2c4eb0d5fbe2/Emerging+.jpg Portfolio - Project 4 Emerging This piece explores my lost abilities due to seizures I experienced as a child, teenager, and young adult. The seizures took away my abilities, much like the branches of a tree that have been severed. In the image, a girl is crying, mourning what has been lost. In the foreground, a watering can waters the tree, symbolizing my tears, while new growth buds are beginning to emerge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/3ebf9cc7-b355-4770-bb12-0a5c4d7e4b60/Transformation+.jpg Portfolio - Project 4 Transformation This piece represents a contrast to the shame piece I created for my first show, which featured zippers. In this work, I have crafted butterflies from zippers to symbolize my transformation. I am no longer constrained by societal messages; I have undergone a significant change. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/022f5924-3473-4f9c-99bb-01431cdedf62/Pain+Meets+Purpose.jpg Portfolio - Project 4 Pain Meets Purpose This sculpture signifies the meeting point of pain and acceptance. The broken glass at the base represents pain, while the daisies at the top symbolize acceptance. In the middle, there are coins inscribed with uplifting words. https://theartofepilepsy.squarespace.com/portfolio/project-five monthly 0.5 2025-09-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/b8df695c-3985-48f2-9489-9a6ae23c7361/Re-Integration+.jpg Portfolio - Project 5 Re-Integration In this piece, there are two hands. One hand symbolizes my old beliefs about myself—those that held me back—while the other hand represents my new beliefs in myself. I am choosing to turn away from what limited me and to focus on my recovery without fixating on epilepsy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/60ba4fbd-1acb-401f-8603-3a12690e8bc0/My+heart+knows+the+truth+.jpg Portfolio - Project 5 My Heart Knows the Truth I wrote the following poem on the piece. My brain won't remember by my heart will. Grief becomes conflicting when I don't have memories of you. We are family and I can't recall one shared experience. I cry feeling alone in my sorrow but my heart knows the truth. I wonder why my memories were taken and my heart silently comforts me..... Shhhh you don't need an answer. Like a stranger, I stand like an outsider listening to your legacy. You seemed like a great person, I wish I got to know you, or did I? See my brain can't remember you, but my heart, it knows the truth. This poem was written to share the depth of memory loss in epilepsy. The hand over the heart is a reflection of nurturing self. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/60cc0946-a977-4359-99c6-75d461de805c/You+Suffered+Too.jpeg Portfolio - Project 5 You Suffered Too The following poem is written on the sculpture. You were my unsung hero when I was in physical harm. You cared for me, kept me safe, and watched over me. For years you stood beside me in times of desperation and comforted me in times of suffering. Your voice was under-recognized, under-appreciated, and often un-heard. I wonder, who comforted you? You stood beside me when I became reactive. You watched me overcome horrendous psychological challenges. You probably never did get a “thank you.” I can’t help but wonder, who comforted you? Where was your support? Did anyone ask you if you were ok? I didn’t know every time you watched me ‘fall,’ you hurt too. It wasn’t an easy journey; we didn’t get to choose. Today, as you see me stand strong, I want to thank you, while also acknowledging that your suffering is valid too. This poem was written to express empathy and understanding for other peoples journey with epilepsy. The hand over the heart is a reflection of compassion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/39068de0-670d-47b9-95de-d99f3149b9b1/The+Arrival+.jpg Portfolio - Project 5 The Arrival: This sculpture symbolizes my confidence. I am thriving! I am independent, I believe in myself, and it’s time to celebrate! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/a396cb7b-46f3-483a-91a9-50a03866ab23/Re-Growth+2%3A2.jpg Portfolio - Project 5 Re-Growth 1 of 2 This piece is the first humanistic sculpture I created. Lizards surround the sculpture, particularly on the throat, temporal lobe, and head. The lizards symbolize re-growth and the process of shedding one’s skin. They remind me to draw from my strengths and not to doubt myself. I’m not quite sure why I added the purple doorknobs on the sides of the arms, but I intended for them to represent epilepsy. I think this was my way of extending support to others who face similar challenges. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/e949bd8d-98b0-4ea6-8aac-66db456267b3/Re-Growth+1%3A2.jpg Portfolio - Project 5 Re-Growth 2 of 2 This piece is the first humanistic sculpture I created. Lizards surround the sculpture, particularly on the throat, temporal lobe, and head. The lizards symbolize re-growth and the process of shedding one’s skin. They remind me to draw from my strengths and not to doubt myself. I’m not quite sure why I added the purple doorknobs on the sides of the arms, but I intended for them to represent epilepsy. I think this was my way of extending support to others who face similar challenges. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/57b61dc8-382d-46ea-beab-0f09310ac202/Reunited+.jpg Portfolio - Project 5 Reunited When I created this piece, it reminded me of who I was before surgery. It brought back memories of my undergraduate years in college when I studied fine arts and took drawing courses, showcasing my strengths. I was confident back then, but after surgery, I began to doubt my abilities. The memory loss caused by the seizures made me feel like my ‘past self’ was gone. I cut her out of my life and started over. It felt as though my life had two distinct stories: what happened before and what happened after surgery. This piece serves as a reminder that, even though I can’t remember parts of who I am, that girl who existed before surgery is still with me. We are reunited. https://theartofepilepsy.squarespace.com/portfolio/project-6 monthly 0.5 2025-09-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/cb091746-c498-46ed-a151-ec5d888ed0bd/sunflowers+.jpg Portfolio - Project 6 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/4c1a3f3a-958b-4980-bfa0-1cf56ba97f43/music+thinker.jpg Portfolio - Project 6 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/deabb332-bdfe-4eb3-97ea-f0883db7b880/van+gogh+thinker+.jpg Portfolio - Project 6 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/8223037e-76c1-4083-9054-e79e7037c0ac/stripe+thinker+.jpg Portfolio - Project 6 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/7770fc90-d605-4dde-ab0a-a45fea63d0de/colorful+thinker.jpg Portfolio - Project 6 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/61f77f5b-8c54-4dd3-8d5f-71281945ba20/daisy+thinker+.jpg Portfolio - Project 6 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/8a2c5f08-398b-41a0-9d9e-415ad52484c6/landscape+thinker+.jpg Portfolio - Project 6 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/937e3fab-58be-49ef-9ea8-493f9fbe3d5a/red+thinker+.jpg Portfolio - Project 6 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6601dde22b5c6d79330590c1/e1c4e970-3dbd-4dc1-be3b-e1eec848c07b/Purple+thinker.jpg Portfolio - Project 6