Cerebellar Ataxia Art 4

FEATURED PHOTO: Activism in Art FAA group - 04/25/2013... more

by Sandra Pena de Ortiz

Title

Cerebellar Ataxia Art 4

Artist

Sandra Pena de Ortiz

Medium

Photograph - Mixed Media - Wire Sculpture, Fine Art Photography, Digital Painting In Gimp

Description

FEATURED PHOTO: Activism in Art FAA group - 04/25/2013

FEATURED PHOTO: Sarasvati Gallery FAA group - 04/16/2013

FEATURED PHOTO: Memories and Nostalgia FAA group - 04/15/2013

FEATURED ARTWORK: Women Photographers FAA group - 4/14/2013

FEATURED ARTWORK: Digital Art Styles FAA group - 4/13/2013

FEATURED ARTWORK: Comfortable Art FAA group - 4/13/2013

FEATURED ARTWORK: Sarasvati Gallery FAA group - 4/12/2013

FEATURED ARTWORK: M O U S E FAA group - 4/12/2013

FEATURED ARTWORK: A B C FAA group: Journey - 4/12/2013

FEATURED ARTWORK: Abstract Photography FAA group - 4/12/2013

FEATURED ARTWORK: Your Favorite Art Work FAA group - 4/12/2013

Cerebellar Ataxia Art 4 is the fourth piece in my series of Cerebellar Ataxia Artwork. This series pays homage and tribute to those suffering from all forms of cerebellar ataxia and for that matter, also for all those suffering from rare neurological disorders. The goal of the artist is to raise awareness of this rare neurological disorder, while at the same time expressing, through a newly found channel of creativity, abstract and surreal dimensions, the experiences, troubles, sufferings, joys, and grace that are part of the day to day lives of those afflicted with the condition.To those who also suffer from cerebellar ataxia, their family members, friends, or anyone set to make a difference in any way, take a look at my gallery and purchase any one piece with which you most feel identified. This particular image, is a wonderful example the use of mixed media in art. Here, I used my fusion of wire sculpture art with fine art photography and in addition applied digital soft painting techniques with GIMP in order to produce this monumentally symbolic abstract image.

Cerebellar ataxia is known by several names, including spinocerebellar ataxia, cerebellar atrophy, and cerebellar degeneration. There are multiple forms of the disease, but all have in common the fact that the mayor cells (neurons) of this part of the brain have died and are dying. The condition is incurable and progressive, and may or may not generally affect the lifespan of affected individuals. I have come to understand that the cerebellum is an awesome and very mysterious part of the brain. Most brain scientists and physicians only know about the important role the cerebellum plays in controlling movement, balance, and coordination. The term ataxia means the lack of coordination and balance, hence, one name for my disease being cerebellar ataxia.

This is what this abstract illusion tries to express without words. However, distinct from my prior Cerebellar Ataxia Art works, this one portrays what goes within the spirit's of those battling with the disease. Specifically, here I present my experience, which I intuitively know is the same as that of many. Second Corinthians 4:16 says, "Therefore we do not lose heart; but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day". When any of us are under a great suffering or tribulation that afflicts our physical well being, we experience an example of the "decaying of the outer man", which is actually occurring continually but is intensified in situations that is very clear for ataxia sufferers. However, mysteriously, by the grace and power of God, our inner man, our inner human spirit, is simultaneously being renewed day by day! I can declare that I have participated, partaken, and enjoyed of this experience; hallelujah! Verses 17 and 18 go on to say, " For our momentary lightness of affliction works out for us, more and more surpassingly, an eternal weight of glory, Because we do not regard the things which are seen but the things which are bnot seen; for the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. We in the ataxia world know, what it means to refer to "our momentary lightness of affliction". I learned Christ more deeply than ever during my battle. This made me realize and enjoy the fact that this and actually any human affliction is momentary and is light and that carrying it could produce in me a most excellent and eternal weight of glory, because in the meantime Christ was being added, forged, and formed in my being. As I beheld Him day by day. He transformed as the Lord Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18). This is what my image ended portraying: all that had been and is going on in my spirit and heart. Do you see God's glory flowing in the purple swirls that eventually also become mingled with His golden nature and the experience of the precious blood of Christ. Then, in resurrection, Christ became the life-giving Spirit (1 Corinthians 1:45b) and when we received Him in our spirits', we became one spirit with Him (1 Corinthians 6:17). Can you see him flowing within my innermost being as the Spirit. This flowing produces much strengthening of my inner mind and Christ is making His home in my heart by rooting me and grounding me in him and with others. Intertwining ..., do you see the intertwining. Do you see the flowing out to others? We do not live by what is seen, but what is not seen. Brothers and sisters with cerebellar ataxia, do not focus on what is seen, since that is only temporary, not eternal. This is an artistic representation and rendition of the struggles and the ensuing deep experiences with God that those with cerebellar ataxia experience, when we allow Him too and we do not fall into the mindset of victims, but a minset of OVERCOMING!!!.

Uploaded

April 11th, 2013