My Journey with Chronic Illness and Art: How Endometriosis Shaped My Art & Life

[@erinsfl]

Thank you for giving an example to people struggling with chronic conditions on how you can continue to do things that feed your soul.

[@flanzella]

Happy to help! Thank you ❤️

[@TerryJ950]

Thank you for sharing your story, Leah. I’m sure it wasn’t easy. I, too, suffer from chronic illness and pain, and am very grateful that I can sit on the couch and create collages. Saved my sanity and brings me joy. I just have to be careful not to puncture my hot water bottle with my scissors, lol.😂

[@flanzella]

Thank you for sharing as well ❤️ it's funny how we find similar methods to cope with it as artists. LOL! luckily that has never happened to me, imagine all the papers getting wet from that 😅

[@LuGam-vf1yi]

Thank you for sharing Leah. I agree a lot more needs to be talked about and go into funding of "women's issues". I suffered with Menorrahagia for almost 25 years (it was caused due to my first pregnancy, body changes or for being on the pill long term before that. They do not know etc) and there was nothing that could be done except - get this - the first advice was have another baby. I did and it did not change. Or take some pills or have a hysterectomy. Gynaecology is run by far too many men and I too felt gaslighted. It took a long time to get the proper diagnoses (about 5 years) from a female Gynaecologist. Every month I was house bound for a week, I could not leave the house as the bleeding was horrendous. The third solution was wait until menopause happened. I took the third option. But that should not have been the way to go. I lost so much time because no one would believe me it was a severe problem. I agree more funding into women's medicine needs to happen everywhere around the world. Hope this helps you feel better and know you are not alone. Your story matters.

[@flanzella]

WOW! I am so sorry to hear that. I actually had a similar doc appointment at 24 where they told me the only solution was to get pregnant... It was definitely not a possible solution 😂 I can't wait for medicine to advance and our voices to be heard. Hoping I don't have to wait until menopause. Thank you for sharing 💕

[@dianeo]

I'm so sorry you have to work around such a difficult disease. I appreciate your bravery and sharing your story and hope better ways of diagnosing and dealing with this incapacitating condition can come soon! The one bright spot is the learned skill of collaging and making beautiful art to share, sell and feed the need to create!♥ Personally, I'm having to work around arthritis and fatigue, but I always try to give myself a mental lift through art-making.

[@flanzella]

Thank you for sharing 💕 I hope you are able to find strategies that work for you and your conditions. Art is its own form of medicine 😋

[@lindajames960]

Beautiful video, both visually and in message. I am an artist, 75 and into my eighth year of undiagnosed chronic pain. From trekking in the Himalayas to mostly bedridden due to loss of mobility, I feel that I share your journey. I am a mixed media artist with collage creation in bed bringing meaning to my life. Creativity and art are so important to my ability to enjoy life. Thank you for sharing.

[@flanzella]

Thank YOU for sharing. I'm sorry to hear it but so happy to hear you've been able to trek in the Himalayas, not many can say they've done that! I share your ambition to live life to the fullest while also having my "rest" periods and doing art to help in those times of need..

[@ChristineScott-s6h]

Leah, thank you for sharing your experiences. I'm happy you have found a way to help you cope. Creating with my hands helps me relax me and not overthink the rest of my life.

[@flanzella]

Of course ❤️ I agree, I think it's so important for all of us to spend one full hour a day just working with our hands, whether cooking, gardening, or making art, for examples. It allows us to connect with our body.

[@CindyBushell]

Oh wow! This video really resonated with me so much! My 16 yo daughter has really bad stomach pains each month. Was recently in overnight in emergency for suspected appendicitis- but they ended up ruling it was probably ovarian cysts. She is now on the pill & is finally getting a referral to a specialist. So this really hit home & the fact that you ended the video with the matting of my collage before posting it to Australia was really so very special. Sending you lots of love ❤️

[@flanzella]

I hope she's able to find a treatment! Mine got manageable after cutting caffeine out, not sure if she would be drinking it yet but diet can really help 😄 can't wait for you to receive your collage!

[@krimimimi]

i was diagnosed with endo in 1996. it baffles me that almost 30 years later its still not taken seriously

[@flanzella]

I KNOW! My mom has it too and its clear there really has been nothing done in that time... Grinds my gears!

[@sassypackratstudios361]

Thanks for sharing your story. I am an endo survivor and I started doing felt art while in bed with pain. It’s very brave of you to talk about an invisible Illness that for so long doctors did even believe was real. I appreciate you sharing your story!❤

[@flanzella]

Thank you for sharing yours as well 😊 it took a lot of me to post this but glad it's resonated with you and felt art sounds so cool! I'd love to try.

[@susanfield2444]

Thank you for having the courage to speak about such a personal issue and reaching out to help others.

[@flanzella]

Thank you, Susan! It took a lot of courage indeed, but happy to do it 😊 it's an important subject!

[@avirtualcanvas7584]

Leah,thank you for being so open about this,this video realy resonated with me on so many levels,and so glad you are raising awareness too,t's such a vital thing to do. Living with long term health (and mental health issuues) issues is not easy,but over time you adpat your life accordioingly as it sound slike you have and that tkes strength to do every day ot realy does. But creating art is a way to channel that energy into somethig creative that fuels your creative wellbeing and in turn your overall well being. It does find a voce in your art it can't not. Am sure when the time feels right for you you wil create art that really visualy speakes about this. You have such a positve otlokk on live and have a real drive to move forwatd in your life and as an artist and it's really inspiring.You're amazing. I hope all is going well in preparing for your up comig shows as well. (matt) P.. I was also inspired by Barbara Kruger when I was younger as well

[@flanzella]

Thank you Matt, it definitely took a lot of courage to post it but glad it resonated with you. I hope you're right and one day I am able to make a series or show dedicated to this. Thanks as always! 😊

[@MichelleFillipini]

I also have endometriosis too and I’m also a collage artist. Thank you for sharing

[@flanzella]

Endo and collage seem to go together like peas and carrots 😋 I'm glad you've also had it to cope and hope your okay 💕

[@MichelleFillipini]

Thank you so much girl, I’m so glad to know I’m not alone- i love you so much and your channel! It would be a dream to collaborate with you one day 🤍

[@flanzella]

@@MichelleFillipini aww! Please reach out when you feel comfortable 😄 would love to see your work

[@bkleng2040]

Endo is so painful! So sorry you have to go through this. I got diagnosed after 16 years.😢

[@flanzella]

Thank you 💕 and thank you for sharing.

[@lynallan2937]

Great video. Your message of empowerment is admirable and the information about your experiences that you share is personal and meaningful. I am now more aware of this condition and some of the difficulties someone with it may face. Thanks so much.

[@flanzella]

Thanks so much, I'm so glad you got all these things out of it.

[@Itsmejessica.iminhere]

I also battle endometriosis and have since I was a young woman, your story is so close to mine and you have described it so much better than most. Collage has always been and will be my place where I find peace. Your videos help me when I don't have the energy or mental load to make a collage, thank you for them and for this. Sending you love in your journey battling this disease ❤

[@subtleworkings1164]

Beautiful video, thank you for sharing this ♥🎨✂

[@flanzella]

Thank you! ❤️❤️❤️

[@AliceGoesNomad]

💖 Thanks for sharing your story... I'm a 62yo with a lifetime of "invisible" disability and wish I had your strength.

[@flanzella]

I'm glad it resonated. I'm sure you too have strength ❤️

[@saskiaseaglass9504]

Just found your channel. ❤ Sorry to hear of your illness and how you have struggled to have it diagnosed and managed. I have always collaged, but I am starting to watch more collage artists- like you! I also suffer with chronic illness (also late diagnosed). It turns out a lot of collage artists also have chronic illnesses- It’s a real thing! I am drawn to collage after having to move away from other disciplines because of chemical sensitivity issues. Paper craft also is easy to put away and pick up again at a later time. Looking forward to looking back through your catalogue on YT. Best of luck from Australia! 🇦🇺

[@bwho22]

Thank you so much for sharing. You are such an inspiration to me! I recently quit my full time job due to chronic pain, I don't have Endo, but I have similar symptoms to the point I was diagnosed with it for a couple of years before finally getting a laparoscopy. I went to your channel for lessons as I was cutting out of magazines, while sitting in bed, in pain. You made me feel seen. Thank you for sharing your skills and your story. ❤

[@flanzella]

I'm so sorry about your job situation :( But so happy I could be there for you in a time of need. I hope you are able to find methods to treat it ❤

[@ORIONSTARGATE]

I also have endo 💛 thank you for sharing.

[@flanzella]

You are so welcome 🤗

[@KarindeBeer]

So proud of you!

[@flanzella]

Thank you 🥺❤️ means a lot

[@georgetadontu930]

❤

[@NSantos-o6k]

❤❤

[@suzannagrove7259]

great video...thank you

[@flanzella]

Glad you liked it!

[@fuzzydragons]

Endo is a PITA! and takes way too long for a diagnosis. 20+ years for me and it took hubby being in my corner for me to finally be taken seriously about the pain/sickness/intense bleeding etc😑 (and even then there were so many times where drs thought i had appendicitis) It can be sooo painful!

[@flanzella]

Truly such a pain 😭 sorry to hear you've also suffered but glad you have the support ❤️

[@ellenbowler1675]

Living with Endo is so hard. Art helps.

[@flanzella]

It does! Very thankful to have it!

[@tasticola]

I've recently found you, and love your channel. I enjoy collage also. I am also an artist with a chronic illness. Your video really resonated with me. Good for you for your honesty! We have to keep going, and art is so empowering. May I ask, what make is your paper cutter please? Looking forward to binge watching your content! x Nell. Ooh! I've just been in your shop and im ordering your paper pack to send to me in Aus! 😊

[@flanzella]

Hi Nell, I'm so glad you related to this ❤️ I agree that art can be empowering when we are in situations we feel stuck in. Are you talking about the straight line cutter? If so I think this one: Fiskars Precision Paper Trimmer - a.co/d/502ABcO

[@tasticola]

​@@flanzella❤

[@sahars3499]

🤍

[@Lynee5290]

❤