These are some of the biggest and most valuable lessons I have learned this year. 

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As many of you know, I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in 2022, after becoming extremely ill with debilitating mobility issues, widespread inflammation and excruciating pain. There is no cure for this chronic illness, just management. 

 

Everything around me and within me began to crumble and the life I had lived for 33 years vanished.

 

Days in my studio - gone. Ability to paint and draw - nonexistent. Bandwidth to daydream my next project - forget it. 

 

My focus was to survive and find a treatment regimen to help me heal and get my life back. I had so much to fight for besides myself, including a beautiful little girl and amazing husband. 

 

There is no quick fix or easy process to healing when it comes to an autoimmune disease like Lupus. It takes months of trial and error to see if medications work. It's a lot of two steps forward, one step back. This limbo is not only physically exhausting, but spiritually and emotionally. 

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I had to dig deep within myself to find the strength and hope to push forward. 

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But, I did. I hung on. I turned to my art practice and relied (still do) heavily on my family and team of doctors and practitioners. 

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In early 2023 I started IV infusions that have changed my life. Healing has been slow and gradual, but each month I have improved and feel better. It's not perfect, I still struggle. But, life has started resembling what it used to be - albeit with some caveats and many accommodations.

 

And now we've arrived at the end of this year. I'm back in my studio with a paintbrush in my hand. I have a lot of work to share with you, and for that I am so grateful. 

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I've created 17 paintings this year reflecting on illness, grief, change, process, hope, resilience, and gratitude. All in an abstract style, which is new to me. This work just kind of poured out of me. It was as if something was unlocked within me and needed to be explored.  

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This is my most personal and vulnerable collection ever. 

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Art heals. It brings solace and joy. It's more than just decor. I know this firsthand. These paintings are proof of that.

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My hope is that it can bring you peace and light in whatever you may be going through right now. 

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Here's to a wonderful holiday season, and a prosperous and healthy new year.

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Thank you for your support and care.

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With love,

Erika Wynn

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