Cori Smith

2022 MSAA Art Showcase Entrants

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Cori Smith – Horseheads, NY

I work professionally as a graphic designer and am currently working towards earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. I love working with digital design programs such as Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop; I also enjoy photography and watercolor painting.

About two years ago at the age of twenty-five I was admitted to the hospital and diagnosed with RRMS. I was completely blindsided. Everyone’s experience with multiple sclerosis is different and mine consisted of numbness, tingling, and fatigue. Ever since my diagnosis I knew I’d want to incorporate my art as a way of healing and processing my emotions with MS.

For an illustration class I was tasked with a sequential art project. I used this opportunity to illustrate my experience of receiving a diagnosis. I felt as though I had a clear vision of my future that became abruptly clouded with fear of the unknown. By practicing gratitude, mindfulness, and staying present, I’ve really come to love my life and appreciate each day for what it is. To create this piece, I used a combination of watercolor painting, Photoshop, and Illustrator.

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