Permit to Change

Seraphim Yoho
Ashburn, VA
Hidradenitis Suppurativa, Arthritis, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, Eosinophilic Esophagitis, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

As someone diagnosed with a myriad of conditions, especially quite young, the greatest struggle I battled in my personal growth was the overwhelming isolation that comes with pain and illness. Each part of this piece uses different forms of visual symbolism to represent different aspects of the emotional and spiritual “bloom” that comes alongside finding and healing with others alongside you. Each of the flowers illustrated is known for its medicinal properties, intentionally chosen for their use in easing the most common symptoms across autoimmune diseases, such as inflammation, fatigue, or nausea. Hummingbirds are a symbol of hope, change, and the binding of the heart. I wanted this piece to be bursting with the vividity that we so often feel we loose when we fight alone, and that comes back so much brighter when we find those to stand beside us.