By Daniel Cleghorn and Iain Chisholm

Medium used: Steel – Hanging requirements: wall mount is to be screwed in 43 inches from the ground. The bottom of the sculpture should be three feet from the ground. This is relational to Iain’s abdomen and part of the piece.

Artist Biography

Born in Alberta, and raised between the small towns of Rocky Ford AB, Powell River BC and the city of Calgary AB. My work reflects from the contrast of the two cultures: small town for its community based and empathic value, and city life for its large scale and minimalist style. Currently enrolled at the Alberta College of Art + Design in my third year, as a sculpture major. The undertone of my work is based on the idea of empathy and creating a catalyst for thought and communications between the viewers.

Using the artist’s words, summarize the artwork and how they feel it reflects the patient’s moment of meaning

Talking to Iain about the “moment of meaning” he couldn’t pinpoint one. He just took the Crohn’s as it came, in stride, which was my inspiration. The size and height of the piece is that of Iain’s abdomen to make unique to Iain and his condition. The material speaks to the strength of the individual and the disease. The individual and resiliency is shown through the clean pieces of steel. In contrast to the dented and rusted steel represents the disease and the physical impact it has, but the shared material creates interdependency between the contrasting aspects.

Using the artist’s words, describe how they felt about this experience

Even though the disease has a large effect on Iain’s life and sometimes needs to be hospitalized for extended periods of time, the disease is not his life. If anything the disease has pushed him to help others going through similar trails, keep active and healthily. The disease’s impact has been more inspiring then depressive. The impact has changed for him over the years but one thing that is consisting is the perseverance and modesty. As he said “I wouldn’t be the same person I am today without this disease”.

Iain lives with Crohn’s disease

Iain is a 20-something rock climber and design enthusiast, originally from Truro, Nova Scotia but currently living in Calgary, Alberta. Iain was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease at the age of 11 and as of recently lives with a permanent ileostomy.

About Perspectives

‘Perspectives – Art, Inflammation and Me’ is an initiative that brings together more than 200 artists with patients in more than 40 countries. Together, they have created a series of paintings, sculptures, photos and other artistic expressions that vividly depict — and help others understand — the impact of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs). Inspired by patients’ stories, independent artists and students from a number of art universities created each piece to help more people better understand the burdens associated with some of these chronic and debilitating conditions. In addition to independent artists from all parts of the world, students from more than 15 universities coordinated by the Polytechnic University of Valencia (Universitat Politecnica de Valencia) were able to add their “Perspectives.”

Select a thumbnail to see a Canadian image and story.

More than 100 unique artistic expressions from ‘Perspectives – Art, Inflammation and Me’ debuted at the 9th Congress of the European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation (ECCO) in Copenhagen, Denmark February 20, 2014, generously supported by AbbVie.

Select a thumbnail to see an International image and story.