Jessica Chanel – aka – THE CHRONICALLY ILL ARTIST

I’m Jessica Chanel a.k.a. “The Chroncially Ill Artist”. I have a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from UAB. As the creative director of J.Chanel Art, I create “illartpeaces” from charcoal drawings, functional book art, and abstract paintings. I hope to bring awareness to chronic illnesses.

I’m on a journey to combine psychology and art in an art therapy program so that I can open up an art therapy clinic that will specialize in teens and young adults with chronic illnesses that are often overlooked when they transition from pediatrics to adult care.

What motivates you to create?

As a kid, I always admired art. Yet, I couldn’t even draw a stick person. When I started having severe pain from eosinophilic symptoms, stubbornness took over.

I taught myself how to draw on my way to doctor’s appointments. I even had a couple of pieces win in a school art contest. During that time, art became my peace…it still is. I’ve learned from some of my art supporters that my art also brings them peace; which totally keeps me going!

I participated in an art show and this inspiring guy, Nate, came to my table twice to check out a book I made; which focused on constellations. He came back a third time and bought the book. He shared with me that the book caught his eye because he and his wife would look at constellations after their dates. Tragically, he had recently lost his wife in a car accident. He added that he would use my book as a resting place for their wedding rings. Stories like Nate’s motivate me the most.

Where do you find inspiration?

The recurring theme for inspiration is chaos. I try to embrace chaotic events and hope for the best. An illartpeace that I donated to The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention was inspired by my little sister’s brain injury due to a reckless driver.

One of my FluX’d Books “The Coalminer” was inspired by my granddad who lost fingers and gained black lung disease in the Woodward Coalmines. The woman that bought the book, also lives with chronic illness and her dad was a coal miner.

My upcoming art series Depressed Optimism was created during a recent bout of depression. Each illartpeace from the series features a paper crane that symbolizes hopefulness and colorful dripped paint expressing the tears and emotions brought on by depression

Where is the most inspirational place in Birmingham?

When I was in high school, I began exhibiting symptoms for eosinophilia, a rare incurable disease that causes an influx of white blood cells in various organs. It took over 2 years to receive a diagnosis of gastrointestinal eosinophilia.

I spent more time at doctor’s appointments, emergency rooms, and at Children’s Hospital than I did in high school. So, the most inspirational place in Birmingham for me is the Children’s Harbor Family Center at Children’s Hospital. The other places I was treated were usually filled with adults; and made me very uncomfortable. The Harbor Center was a safe place I could relax and draw in between procedures.

How do you silence your inner critic?

Not sure if it’s the best choice, but I don’t. Self-doubt creeps in, but I try to look at my art like I look at life; it’s all about the experience and what can be gained from it.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

My mom once told me to, “Stand in your purpose and share it.” I try use my art as a way to share my story and hopefully it can help someone else that may be dealing with similar things.