The Art of Palliative Medicine - 2017 Semester 2
I chose to do a painting to reflect on our interview, as I felt I could better reflect the patient's individual experiences through this more creative medium as opposed to an essay.
I chose the background of the painting to be different shades of blue referring to the patient saying her diagnosis was so unexpected and “out of the blue.” Blue also represents peace; the peace that this woman was still struggling with as she strives to come to terms with the reality of her condition. She was diagnosed with a neurological disease, which is gradually worsening and stopping her from doing things she wants to do. She admits it is hardest to accept not knowing how it happened to her, a definite cause to blame it on would bring her more peace. The colour blue also illustrates the feelings of loneliness that she talked of; the loss of physical ability resulted in a loss of freedom, and the isolation that comes with living in a care environment with much older people.