Toni Foot

I live with chronic, unexplained pain. This pain ravaged my body and spread from its original location in the right of my lower back until it covered every inch of me. After a while my brain decided to take control of the situation and shut down some of the more troublesome parts of my neurological system. Unfortunately it took with it some rather important things, like the ability to walk and talk. I now have an impressively long list of diagnoses, none of which are life-threatening but also none can be fixed. I’m learning to live with them. Art and creative expression have been a way for me to express the more difficult aspects of my life, helping me to find strength to continue. It has also reminded me on many occasions of the beauty that fills the world around me if only I can remember to take time to stop and look. This collection explores the many, complex difficulties I face as direct and indirect consequences of my condition. However, my interpretation is not final. These paintings have done their job for me. I invite you to experience them from your own perspective. Look at my images with your own eyes open before reading what it means to me. I survive each day by finding colour and light in the world around me. I am humbled if my work helps you do the same.