Shana Stern – Los Angeles, CA
2019 MSAA MS Ability Art Showcase Entrants
View this month’s Artist of the Month
Previous: Jaclyn Spencer – Next: Craig Sutherland
Shana Stern – Los Angeles, 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 into the freedom painting provides me with.
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. I may have MS but MS doesn’t have me.
Gold Dust Women
Shallow
Ticking Bomb
