Embracing Light Through the Lens: My Journey with Photography and Ankylosing Spondylitis
I am thrilled to announce the launch of my very first website—a platform designed to share my passion for photography and artwork with a broader audience. As a former restaurant worker with minimal prior exposure to the art world, this website marks a significant milestone in my life. Deep down, I always felt a pull towards the arts, and finally, I have embraced this calling and ventured into the creative realm.
A New Perspective Through Pain
Living with a chronic autoimmune disease known as Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) has been a journey of its own. This condition, which primarily affects the spine and the sacroiliac joints, introduces daily challenges, including pain and stiffness, fatigue, and reduced mobility. It has significantly shaped my daily life and my interactions.
However, my unconventional start in photography in October 2022, with a GoPro Max 360 initially intended to record bicycle rides around the city, has opened a new window of opportunity. This tool has not just been about capturing images but about discovering new ways to see and interact with the world around me.
Photography as a Lifeline
Photography has become a vital coping tool, offering both physical and psychological benefits. It serves as a powerful distraction, allowing me to focus intensely on capturing the perfect shot and momentarily forget the physical discomfort. The physical activity involved in setting up shots and exploring new angles is therapeutic, helping maintain flexibility without overstraining.
Moreover, photography is an emotional outlet and a form of communication. It allows me to express feelings and share experiences that are often difficult to articulate in words. Every photo tells a story of my journey, of the battles fought silently each day, and of the beauty found in moments of pain.
Community and Growth
Through this website, I invite you to browse my photo galleries, delve into my blog, and perhaps bring a piece of my world into your home or workplace through my photo print shop. Each image, each blog post is a fragment of my life's tapestry, woven with threads of resilience, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of beauty.
Engaging with this community is not just about sharing my work but about connecting with others, whether they are fellow artists, individuals dealing with chronic illnesses, or simply lovers of art. Your feedback and interaction are not only welcome but vital to my growth as an artist and as a person living with AS.
A Call to Action
Join me on this extraordinary journey. Explore the world through my lens, and see how even in the face of chronic pain, the world can be full of light and color. Let's embrace the light together, and transform the way we view challenges, turning them into opportunities for growth and creativity.
