About me
My name is Destiny, and as a self-taught artist, I can't truly recall a I time I did not yearn to put the pigment on the paper/canvas.
Growing up did nothing but expand the horizons of my creative mind. Now 21, I live in NW Indiana with my big orange cat, Pringles, and tiny gremlin-cat Star.
I enjoy many things outside of the art world, including paleontology, reading, spiritual work, and science. Current Buddhist, I studied Wiccan from 14 up to 18. My family was large and discombobulated growing up, but I hold peace and wisdom above all other virtues.
- dh
Photography by Carin Weston
The battles you don't see: Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Neurodivergence
I want to use this section to raise a little awareness on some seemingly-invisible and sometimes debilitating very large parts of my life.
The first is something that supported my art and pushed me to go secluding into decorating white canvas. My neurodivergence has inspired many of my art pieces. I have a moderate-severe Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, as well as (long misdiagnosed) Bipolar II. My brain may present challenges, but also is my greatest adversary, especially compared to my meat suit. I love being open about the challenges and difficulties because it not only leads to easier ailments/support groups/communication in an episode; but also is something that shouldn't stay hidden, as mental health is critical is functioning. I believe there is no better advocate than the self, and as many are unaware how the inner workings of a neurodivergent operate; I hope to help educate in order to help bridge the gap.
The second was something I wasn't aware of it's existence until 2021. Until then I thought the World was seeking to destroy me. October of 2021, at 19 years old, I was diagnosed with hEDS; hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. This is a genetic disorder that none of my family had heard of, but several expressed symptoms. In summary, EDS is a connective tissue disorder that primary affects your collagen. Unfortunately, your collagen is found in nearly every body structure and is comparable to being the "body's glue". This means every joint, organ, and bone in my body is affected. With EDS the collagen is in a constant state of being stretched and thin. This causes hypermobility, or being 'double jointed'. Most patients experience constant subluxations and dislocations. Yes, it is painful. Our skin bruises very fast and easily, and can tear open to form cut-looking wounds just from dryness, fast fatigue, chronic pain, and a whole slew of other symptoms.
As my symptoms progressed, as did my thumbs ability to invert completely backwards upon any movement. Now, I wear a brace to support my MCP joint daily. It was very hard at first and frustrating to do art, as it quickly led to severe pain, and cramping (I must use an altered grip on pencil things). But I am so grateful to be here, as creating art with my hands is more rewarding than any pain I could have inflicted.
This all being said, be patient please if I have pain flare ups, or need to have a short hiatus to heal <3
And thank you for taking the time to read that all, if you did.
