Type 1 Diabetes Revealed
"Type 1 Diabetes Revealed" is an ongoing, educational art project. I felt compelled to start this art series because it has been my experience that the overwhelming majority of people [except those with type 1 diabetes or, those close to someone with it] has little or no understanding of this condition. The themes that I explore in my diabetes art pieces are very varied and represent both physical and emotional elements of the condition; the resulting artworks are also varied and may be literal, abstract, serious, sardonic, silly, etc. As a whole, my art series seeks to provide a forum for individuals living with this condition and also, educate, increase awareness and debunk stereotypes about type 1 diabetes within the general public.
The ideas for new diabetes art pieces come much faster than I can execute them; I am in no rush though, because the inherent nature of type 1 diabetes is never-ending and so my art series is never-ending. It is a lifelong project and process that I am going through. I consider my website a work-in-progress; please continue to visit as more of my art pieces will be posted in the coming days and weeks. Feel free to contact me at any time - ask questions, send feedback, share ideas, tell me your story - be a part of the project.
Lastly, I would like to note that my artwork represents my feelings, opinions, ideas and experiences as a person living with type 1 diabetes. I can't speak for every person with type 1 diabetes. Depending on age of diagnosis, gender, personality, experience, etc., every person has a unique relationship with and outlook on their diabetes. As you will see, my work is significantly impacted by my interest in and studies in sociology, my perspective as a female and my personal experience. To read more about why I make diabetes art, click about me.
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Permeability This piece is a commentary on the permeability of the human body. There are many hormonal fluctuations taking place within our bodies every second of the day - that we take for granted. However, people with type 1 diabetes are constantly reminded of the body's blood sugar and insulin levels since managing them requires bringing the inside out (testing your blood sugar) and putting the outside in (injecting insulin into your body).
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Twenty-four birthdays Upon turning 24, it occurred to me that I officially have had type 1 diabetes for half my life, since I was diagnosed at age 12. I chose to represent this in a "pop art" style with the subject matter of cake because this is the way diabetes is simplified in the media and in pop culture.
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Once upon a cure Within the diabetes community, it is common to hear the phrase “A cure is 5 years away.” However, 5 years passes (many times over) and we are still waiting.
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Life is random I completed this painting while in high school, after having diabetes for about 3 years. Although I didn't delve deeper with these ideas until years later, this painting represents the first seeds of realization that things that happen to us in life - the good, the bad, the ugly - aren't always in our control.
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Serendipity This piece represents the idea that we can’t always fully understand the courses of life; sometimes, something which may seem negative, like diabetes, may actually turn out to provide us with positive opportunities and experiences.
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*Wishing* flower This piece represents the idea of wishing; anyone who looks at it will think of something different - unique to his/her own life. When looking through my diabetes lens, it signifies wishing for a cure. When I look at it through other lenses, the meaning may change.
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It follows me everywhere I go Sometimes I think of diabetes as my shadow - because it follows me wherever I go. Just like a shadow, diabetes also goes in and out of public visibility. Even at times that it's not outwardly apparent to others, I know it's always there and always needs to be accounted for.
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After completing this mixed-media painting, I saw more than just a life drawing. Although I see things just how non-diabetics see things, I believe that experience strongly shapes our perceptions. Living with diabetes means that I have an added lens to look through; when looking through my diabetes lens, I see shot sites. |
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People with diabetes are constantly solving math problems in order to ensure proper insulin doses and adjustments. This example illustrates the information processing that goes on before I eat anything. Please note that these calculations and ratios are examples; everyone's body is different, which means that insulin-to-carb ratios, insulin sensitivity, etc. varies from person to person and cannot be applied generally.
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In this piece, I wanted to relay the idea that no matter where you are, what you're doing or what season it is, diabetes is always lingering around. Due to its omnipresence, it is easy to let it hinder your enjoyment of many things in life. However, I believe that it's all about attitude. Though it is easier said than done, ideally, it is best to view diabetes as a part of your life - rather than something that takes over your life. By figuring out ways to blend diabetes with the rest of your world, you can go on living a normal life and appreciate the beauty that exists, even with a chronic condition. |
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In[sulin]dependent woman This piece is a commentary on societal conventions of 'beauty.' People don't typically associate a young, healthy-looking, attractive woman with diabetes and syringes. Because of this norm and the fact that most of society is not desensitized to needles, blood, etc., people, particularly women, with type 1 diabetes are at high risk for feeling self-conscious of their physiology and their bodies. Also, my work reveals that people with type 1 diabetes require not just one, but multiple insulin injections every day.
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Twenty-four/seven In this piece, I mounted insulin bottles onto a mirror in order to simulate a clock. Good blood sugar control (diabetes management) requires round-the-clock vigilance; there is never a break. Also, I chose a mirror as the surface because people with diabetes must face their condition at all times.
*A special thank-you goes to those who donated their insulin bottles to my project. |
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Everyone needs insulin to survive. Most people don't think about this fact because insulin is secreted automatically. However, people with type 1 diabetes do not produce insulin; therefore, by administering insulin manually, the idea of "insulin dependence" becomes very salient and is a constant reminder that insulin is truly a lifeline. *A special thank-you goes to those who donated their insulin bottles to my project. |
Everything & not the obvious
Prose
When people hear that you have diabetes, they immediately think about the superficial, physical pain involved (taking shots, pricking your finger, restricting your diet, etc.). While those things can be tiresome, they are the least of it. It’s everything else – because diabetes permeates every aspect of your life – and not the obvious.
(Click here to read)
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Can you eat that? |
Collaborative work: Jen & Teresa
In our collaborative work, after brainstorming concepts, Teresa takes the photographs and I do the drawings & graphics. Teresa is a mother of a child with type 1 diabetes and I have type 1 diabetes; therefore, our work benefits from the perspectives of two very different, but both very important roles in the diabetes game. To see more of Teresa's work, view her website www.teresaollila.com.
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Family tree This piece represents that typically, type 1 diabetes doesn't run in families; ninety percent of children who develop type 1 diabetes actually have no relative with the disease. Type 1 diabetes occurs as a result of an autoimmune response in which the body attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Although the causes are not known at this point, research suggests that there are other factors besides genetics that play a role - such as environmental triggers.
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Two Pancreases This piece shows the physiological mechanism of type 1 diabetes as compared in this set of siblings. The girl who does not have diabetes is producing insulin, which acts as a 'key' to allow sugar to enter the cells and be used as energy. Her brother, who has diabetes, does not produce insulin, which means that the sugar has no way of entering the blood; this results in too much sugar left in the blood. That is why people with type 1 diabetes must administer insulin manually, either through injections or an insulin pump.
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Blood sugars around the clock Normal blood sugar is in the range of 70-120. This piece demonstrates how blood sugar is affected by variables like a sick day or exercise.
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Shots in a month This child takes 4 or 5 insulin shots per day, which amounts to approximately 135 shots in a month – as shown. Also, a common fallacy is that insulin is given in the crease of one's arm; this piece demonstrates correct injection sites (upper arm, lower abdomen, hip, butt and thigh).
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