Living in the Shadows

Meilan Carter-Gilkey
San Pedro, CA
MAGIC Syndrome, Relapsing Polychondritis, Autoimmune Urticaria, Small Fiber Neuropathy, Hashimoto’s Thryroiditis

I chose to focus on two major aspects of my conditions: medication and loneliness. Using a Barbie doll changes the scale and gives the medications more size and more metaphorical weight. It is a symbolic expression of what it means to lean on medication. I played with the lighting and using Black and White to illustrate the isolation I feel. Even with loving family and friends, it is difficult to share with others who do not have autoimmune issues how I feel. I am primarily a writer and creative expression definitely helps me deal with my health challenges.