Over 200 Artists tackle the Illness Experience
“Mira, Mira on the wall” was the refrain that came to mind when young Mira Berlin (MFA) presented her idea 3 years ago for an art show representing the personal illness experiences of artists. After she left my office, I thought about whether the refrain’s connection to the fairy tale was applicable to the concept.
Three years later, the fairy tale reference can be discarded. A collective of European academic, art and industry leaders has produced a vivid expression of illness through the eyes of artists working in collaboration with patients.
‘Perspectives – Art, Inflammation and Me’ is an initiative designed to add a different dimension to the current understanding of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) and their impact on patients and society. The exhibition debuted at the 9th Congress of the European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation (ECCO) in Copenhagen, Denmark on February 20 with more than 100 unique pieces of art.
Mira was interested in the subjective experience of disease to showcase the potential of Fine Arts “to transcend the bounds placed on patients upon their diagnosis” and to highlight “the incredible power of images to demystify illness and reconcile us to disease, and even to death.” At the time, her thoughts were [...] continue the story
“Valleys”: A DP’s Perspective
Last week I was whisked away to Georgetown, Ontario. A young and talented Director from Alberta had hired me as his Director of Photography and all encompassing “camera guy”, for his newly envisioned web series.
Mike Lang, is the Director, and “Valleys” is his new project.
Diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma at the age of 25, Mike rapidly launched Survive & Thrive Expeditions, an organization that seeks to connect young adult cancer patients with peers. Whether it’s a whitewater trip down a river or a serene sailing trip along the inlets of Canada’s west coast – Survive & Thrive (STE) has provided much needed solitude and support to courageous patients.
And if this wasn’t enough, Mike had cameras rolling the entire time. During these past few years Mike has cut together footage of his expeditions and the intimate interviews captured between survivors.
With this he has already created two uniquely inspirational and mind expanding films, “Wrong Way to Hope” and “Ebb & Flow”. Mike’s films have been used as educational materials by health institutes to provide a common link between practitioners and patients.
Determined isn’t quite enough to describe Mike as he now tackles creating his third film project in only a few short years.
With the next STE [...] continue the story
Social Media & Patient Centric Care
Michael Evans, Director and Staff Physician at St. Michael’s Hospital talks about social media and patient-centred care. This interview was conducted by The Change Foundation during their Meeting of the Minds 2011 Conference: How to ACE the Patient Experience. The Change Foundation is an independent policy think tank, intent on changing the health-care debate, health-care practice and the health-care experience in Ontario.
Video is also available on the Change Foundation website here.