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The Reshape T1D Collection
Artist: Jasmine Maghera
Based on the qualitative themes from interview data collected from individuals living with type 1 diabetes who participated in the Reshape T1D study
Trauma
Depicting serenity after being consumed by fire, symbolizing the unexpected and often unnoticed onset of trauma. The smoke and embers represent the lingering effects of trauma that make it difficult to rebuild after such destruction. This transition can be unexpected and confusing at times represented by the streetlamp in the foreground lighting up the scene, capturing the cycle of trying to heal while still being affected by past pain. It also explores the tension of wanting to rebuild with the constant threat of recurring trauma, represented by persistent smoke and burning remnants in the corner. Finally, the unexpected ripples distort the viewer image in the glass-like surface, representing the effect trauma can have on oneself image and self-worth which impacts all facets of life.
Empathy
“Empathy” is a vivid, emotionally charged painting using the Sikh colors to capture the feeling of human connection and understanding. The large orb oozes warmth that spills over the edges and onto the dark contest suspended as a dust in between the layers of resin. The light of the orb is reflected in the water above and below the painting representing how our own empathy can be mirrored by others in society. Empathy is a significant component of type 1 diabetes patient-centeredness in healthcare and serves a mirror that guides and reflects us in our interactions. This liquid texture resembles the fluidity of society and captures how one singular interaction into empathy can make a lasting change on others.
Financial Burden
“Financial Burden” was painted to represent the moment of realization about the overwhelming cost of type 1 diabetes and health overall. This artwork is a striking representation of the artist's personal narrative, set against a backdrop of majestic mountains that both awe and dwarf the human experience. This painting is made with gold sheet, and shimmers with opulence. A red oxide jagged line cuts through the serene mountain and represents the disruptive force of medical expenses that can tarnish even the most breathtaking moments of life. This gold reflects the high cost of essential healthcare technologies.
Knowledgeable
"Knowledgeable" depicts several elements and components in the context of type 1 diabetes. Items seen might portray the resemblance of an insulin pump or needle, a continuous glucose monitor or other technology. The purpose of this piece is to illustrate the complex web of knowledge pertaining to type 1 diabetes. Just as important is the shared stories from study participants who identified how much they valued healthcare providers who were knowledgeable about type 1 diabetes. All too often we have healthcare encounters with healthcare providers who know little to no information about type 1 diabetes. Many will try to guide or recommend strategies for care without considering the unrecognized burdens of living with type 1 diabetes.
Resilience
To witness "resilience" is to observe the fierce interplay of our desire to burn and the complexity of our existences. As I created this piece, I learned that the very clashes and contradictions within me fueled a relentless drive to experience life. This internal ebb and flow, akin to fire, poses challenges but propels us forward. Resilience, then is not merely about enduring hard times, it's about navigating uncertainty and adversity of living with type 1 diabetes. It embodies the necessity of conflict and challenge - without them our inner flame dims. True growth emerges from being tested and continuing to burn brightly despite it all.
Unrecognized Burden
"Unrecognized Burden" depicts a dark figure kneeling over in grief, this grief comes from the feeling of loneliness of thankless work it takes to survive with type 1 diabetes. The low chroma color scheme emits the feeling of a dark, damp space which contrasts brightly with the figure’s colorful insides representing the unseen work to contribute to society. The goal of this piece was to evoke feelings of empathy to help the grieving figure become noticed. Unrecognized burden is strengthened by the bright flowers placed on the figures head and to their side, similar to the way a friend acknowledges previously unseen work.
Avoidance
"Avoidance" is shrouded in the vast emptiness of the psyche's darker corners. Made with layers of opaque and translucent shades that intertwine, represent the visual metaphor for the engulfing force of avoidance in type 1 diabetes. Juxtaposed against this darkness are is the a gentle aurora of resilience around the door to the outside that fights to emerge from “the real world”. Colorful glimmers symbolize the scattered moments of clarity and the will to face the often-unspoken struggles that accompany daily living with type 1 diabetes. The texture is deliberately placed to evoke the isolation and withdrawal of the figure in the bottom left corner, who is seeking solace in the shadows to escape the relentless persistence needed to survive type 1 diabetes. All hope is not lost, the world outside still emits a warm glow and calls the figure outwards, but avoidance occurs in cycles, and the figure is captured in the middle of their encounter with the solitude of avoidance.
Burnout
"Burnout" depicts the mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion that comes with living with a disease that requires constant and relentless attention to survive daily. The phenomenon of reaching the point of wanting to give up and let the disease take over or ignore it completely to have a sense of normalcy is a common experience for many with type 1 diabetes.
Frustration
"Frustration" in type 1 diabetes is real and relates closely to resilience. This piece specifically depicts that which is endless frustration of the thousands of things that can go wrong daily when a person is managing type 1 diabetes. There is no reprieve to the constant self-management and for every action or event, diabetes is there just waiting in the background to test your patience.
Vulnerability
"Vulnerability" depicts two figures in embrace. The mixing and blending of high chroma colors show the vulnerability of sheer emotions. The idea is that those living with type 1 diabetes must expose their vulnerabilities with those who provide support.
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