I have spina bifida. I am a disabled artist. For the first time in my artistic practice, I am examining how people like me, who live with this condition, view themselves and seek to claim their power and beauty.

Body image remains a relevant topic in many different contexts. "Front to Back" focuses on the context of disability. Spina Bifida often results in the necessity of using a wheelchair. People look down on us literally and figuratively. We have historically suffered great indignity for sake of medical education. Being the subject of treatment and learning is an experience many of us share.

First and foremost, in creating these images, I wanted to make beautiful portraits. With "Front to Back" I wanted to make work in collaboration with those I photograph, as a way to help us reclaim lost dignity and a sense of control over what happens to us. It is my hope that audiences for the images in this project will see people first. People whose lives have meaning and are beautiful.

The poster above is from the very first exhibition of this project. Since that time, I have been blessed to have had the privilege of photographing more people for Spina Bifida Front to Back. You will see their images and words in the following pages. 

I encourage you to take the time to look at each pair of images in this series (see the dropdown in the side menu). Read the words of the participants as they share their own reasons for being a part of this project. Spina Bifida Front to Back has been one of the most meaningful endeavours  in my life as an artist. 

* For more information about Spina Bifida or Hydrocephalus, please visit the website of Hydrocephalus Canada at www.hydrocephalus.ca or call them toll-free from anywhere in Canada at 1-800-387-1575.