Artists and epilepsy
Many people with epilepsy say that the freedom of art helps them to express their experiences of seizures. For many the paintbrush is a powerful communication tool for experiences that are hard to explain in words.
Our online Flickr gallery ‘Artists and epilepsy’ features the work of artists affected by epilepsy and is a platform for all artists affected by epilepsy to share their work.
Submit your work
If you would like to submit work for inclusion in the gallery, please send jpegs of your art (maximum of six pieces) to nicola.swanborough@epilepsysociety.org.uk. We are happy to include your own website details alongside your art.
Art is a way of making sense of the huge impact that recurring seizures can have on your life. Art can help a person develop greater self awareness and come to terms with the uncertainties of epilepsy.
Quentin Bruckland, art therapist, Epilepsy Society
It has often been said that Van Gogh’s use of yellow was a result of his suffering from xanthopsia, a condition that causes the person to see everything as though through a yellow filter. Xanthopsia was a side effect of digitalis, often used to treat epilepsy.
Nicola Swanborough, Epilepsy Review
Maria Pia's story
Maria Pia is Italian and has epilepsy. She explains how painting is a coping mechanism for her epilepsy.
Anneleen's story Electric Visions
Anneleen Lindsay is a professional photographer who is based in Edinburgh. She has recently produced a series of work called 'Electric Visions' which is a visual exploration of her personal experience of living with epilepsy.
Amy's story
Amy Frost, 25, has generalised epilepsy. She has been having seizures since she was 11 years old, but was diagnosed at 18. She started using art as a way to cope with her emotions associated with her epilepsy.