Bedford-based artist Clare Ellen Gregory has used her own personal experience of chronic pain and illness to inspire and empower others.
While in her first year at Norwich University of the Arts, Clare was diagnosed with endometriosis, a whole-body, inflammatory condition in which cells similar to those in the lining of the womb are found elsewhere in the body.
The condition causes a range of horrible symptoms, including extreme pain, as well as creating adhesions (scar tissue).
Throughout her teenage years, Clare believed she just had painful periods and suffered in silence for years before the diagnosis, a scenario that many fellow sufferers will be familiar with.
Following diagnosis, doctors tried the contraceptive pill whilst waiting for the first of three surgeries. Over the course of her diagnosis, Clare has been on several treatment pathways including the Mirena coil and a temporary menopause by injection.
Seeing her body for the first time after her first two surgeries, Clare says she felt disgust at how her body had changed.
“I couldn’t bear to look at the surgical wound below my belly button and felt repulsed when I looked at my body,” she told the Bedford Clanger.
Whilst being inspired by artists such as Frida Kahlo and Jo Spence, Clare said she suddenly felt the urge to create sketches of her body after her second surgery, which acted as a catalyst in her art practice.
She has painted a body of work that has been exhibited from Norwich to New York.
“To make the work I’ve had to make myself vulnerable,” said Clare.
“But it’s been worth it to see how the paintings have inspired and empowered other people.
“I also feel empowered – and feel as if I’ve taken back some control over my body.”
Entitled “X marks the spot”, Clare used her experiences to inform her final year fine art project, and has continued to explore her pain and condition as her work evolves.
Living with chronic pain is something that Clare has had to adapt to, and she says she refuses to allow it to dictate her life.
“There are times when I have to cancel plans, and family and friends are understanding, but I am determined not to let this rule my life,” she said.
Clare’s work has become a powerful advocacy tool, enabling her to share her and other sufferers’ stories as well as raise awareness of the condition.
She has even featured in projects, podcasts and books, including her work with Satirev and the charity Mortal and Strong, saying that art has played a huge part in her endometriosis journey.
You can find out more about Clare’s work through her Instagram page here.
To find out more about endometriosis, Clare recommends visiting the Menstrual Health Project website here.
“I met both the founders, and they are such lovely ladies who have faced their own struggles with endometriosis as well as been a massive support in my own journey,” said Clare.
“They also have their Endometriosis Diagnostic Toolkit, which you can access on their website.”
Find the diagnostic toolkit here.
