Shana Stern
2023 MSAA Art Showcase Entrants
View this month’s Artist of the Month
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Shana Stern – Pacific Palisades, CA
Thirteen years into my MS diagnosis, my daily health challenges made writing, my former profession, and dance, my favorite activity, practically impossible.
Unable to hold a paintbrush because of my MS, I created my own, unique way of painting – using only my fingers and knuckles. I paint each piece to a single song. Creating something beautiful as I use my fingers to make the paint dance across the canvas, is my way of fighting back against the daily, uncontrollable issues I have.
Crouched over canvas, covered in paint, lost in the music – everything disappears. All my pain, frustration, and physical issues dissolve as I paint.
I don’t dance on my toes anymore – but with my hands. I no longer need a pen or computer to tell stories – just paints. My art helps me find joy, purpose, and the confidence to believe in myself again.
Sweet Disposition
![Sweet Disposition](https://mymsaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Sweet-Disposition-Stern-Shana.jpg)
Fortress Around Your Heart
![Fortress Around Your Heart](https://mymsaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Fortress-Around-Your-Heart-Stern-Shana.jpg)
Drift Away
![Drift Away](https://mymsaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Drift-Away-Stern-Shana.jpg)