Artwork as way out of stress and symptoms
Tiphanie Gould-Gillespie is one good example of how Parkinson’s is NOT a devastating disease. She used her diagnosis as a transformation to a better life.
Not only are her symptoms reduced to 20%, but she also chose to come off her prescribed medication, and she instinctively knew that she had to change her lifestyle completely.
She drew a line in the sand on her old life entirely. She challenged her own imperfections and learned to live with them through her artwork.
She had never painted before, but during the last year has seen Tiphanie has seen her art develop to a place where she can start to exhibit her works for other people to admire.
What could your challenge be?
She found that painting was a way of reducing her stress and leading to a more mindful life, whilst her Parkinson’s symptoms reduced considerably.
Hobbywork - Painting
- a way to a symptom free life
My past - stress
My world was perfect. I had a fascinating but full-stress job.
I was a high performing speech therapist
I start to have Parkinson’s when I was in the middle of all this, but I covered up my symptoms.
When my Parkinson’s got worse, I have to step out of my job. I had so many significant side effects that I chose to step out of medication, which was very hard.
I now consume zero medication.
"I have made a challenge to see what happes if I painted full time for one year."
Reeinventing myself
I need to do something to reinvent myself.
I instinctively knew that I must do something radical.
I transformed from being an extroverted business girl to an introverted artist.
I have never painted before as I have many talented artists in my family. I saw the painting when they struggled in life.
Little did I know that making art gives you a break from stress.
Being 100% dedicated to my art has given me confidence as an artist selling my art.
Being a hermit in my house for the last year has been fantastic for my mind and learning new skills.
I only make 2 social arrangements per week.
No one understands this, but my symptoms have been reduced the big time by this calmer lifestyle.
What a difference a year makes
Thiphanie have started to sell her art on posters and t-shirts
When I could not wear high heels, I could paint high heels
I looked at my old wardrobe with lots of buttons and gorgeous-looking decorations that made the clothes difficult when getting dressed.
I left the fashion style and now wear practical clothes, no makeup, and a simple hairstyle. I needed to let go of so many of my previous habits for dressing. I let go of old standards for how I needed to look. I feel a lot calmer, not needing to be the perfect version anymore.
There is beauty in the broken.
I integrate the tremors in my art. When I have tremors and use the waves as an extra element.
Mental Health and the connection to Parkinsons
Mental Health must be truly understood for what it is.
Mental Health is literally at the core of all things mental, physical, spiritual, and political. Mental health is the core factor of every single choice as we move through the world. Every single interaction is shadowed by the state of our mental health.
Why not integrate your tremor into your hobby, and bend your definition of perfectionism
