What is your disability and how does it affect you?
I have Lupus. I spent 10 years on a sofa and subsequently experienced strokes and damage to my hands and feet. I battle with chronic fatigue and quite often have brain fog as well as other cerebral issues. Most of the time it was like I was not there, for example I could hear conversations but it would take me time to make the connection or respond, by which time the conversation had passed. Once the fog cleared, it was very clear that self-employment was the best option for me in terms of fulfilling my wish to work.
What inspired you to become an artist?
Before becoming ill I could copy very well, but could not draw so when I started having health issues I tried creating my own work. I was surprised at how well I was able to draw. Some of the first things I remember making were memory books for my children. With a desire to share my work, I began reaching out to people and stores and, with my husband’s support, I was also able to approach organisations about selling my work. I started off by teaching myself about art but then went on to study the subject. I now give art presentations to support groups and those facing challenges. On non-working days, I can rest, play with the art and be creative.
Has your disability caused any barriers when creating your artwork or illustrations? How did you overcome this?
I feel the lack of energy has been the biggest barrier. I live so close to other states which I would like to visit but I am unable to travel there because of the fatigue, so it is a catch 22 situation. I also want to do my business through an agent, but to be able to do so you have to ‘prove yourself first’ by making a significant amount of sales. With health being a barrier, instead of letting my disability win, I decided to lower my expectations and started with local businesses and people who would buy or carry my work. “I stopped thinking about what I thought was success and realized the potential of everything local.” It is all about starting small, no big dreams at first. Use local resources and businesses to find your niche. Some of my work now hangs in hospitals and I often go in to speak about the story behind it.
Has there ever been a point when you wanted to give up?
Yes, about 2 years ago. In a business context, production and sales fluctuate and have their own flow throughout the year. At the beginning I was unaware that this was normal. I was ready to lay down the business but, having asked two stores to carry some of my work, the activity rose again and I was invited to an art fair. I, therefore, discovered that perseverance is essential.
What advice do you have for young disabled people looking for a career as an artist or illustrator?
If you are interested in illustration then make sure you go to the conferences for Society of Children Book Writers and Illustrators. You can even look carefully on their website to see where your art fits in. Some key skills needed for illustration include being able to draw expressions and characters. Make sure you put a portfolio together and, if you can, attend conferences as it will encourage people to look at your work. Set up your own website with all of your artwork as well. Try to do work on all good days, even if it’s a doodle. My best advice to you is on days when you have no energy but feel creative, write all your ideas down. This means on days when you have energy but have no idea what to do, you can read over your ideas and start creating pieces of work. Above all, have compassion with yourself, no one functions 100% all of the time.
Are there any resources or websites that will be useful to help them pursue their career goal in art?
Look at other artist’s websites and the ‘about me’ sections and see other people’s styles and work. Always do steady workloads, a bit at a time, it will get you further. When I first started I had 4 images for my card artwork, now I have 80 images. You never know what little activity you do will lead to the next big breakthrough.
If you’re interested in finding out more about the interview, Willow Bascomb’s work, or Moving Up, please contact Isabel Baylis on i.baylis@musculardystrophyuk.org