It’s Normal, Just Take Tylenol 01
Michelle Mateo
Mixed Media on cloth
2023
$400
Michelle Mateo is a multidisciplinary artist based in San Diego. She suffered from debilitating pain from endometriosis for about seven years and accepted that fate after several doctors told her that the pain was normal. This was before she met her surgeon—Dr Chandra Springs-Robinson—who was the only doctor who listened to her. Dr. Chandra Springs-Robinson performed Michelle’s first laparoscopic surgery in February of this year after her diagnosis of stage IV endometriosis.
“It’s Normal, Just Take Tylenol” is a piece about the very abnormal pelvic pain she would have several days out of the month. She would be in bed for days at a time to do nothing but writhe in pain and would often imagine the demons from “The Torment of St. Anthony” by Michealangelo to be clawing at her insides.
It’s Normal, Just Take Tylenol (close-up)
Michelle Mateo
Mixed Media on cloth
2023
$400
Michelle Mateo is a multidisciplinary artist based in San Diego. She suffered from debilitating pain from endometriosis for about seven years and accepted that fate after several doctors told her that the pain was normal. This was before she met her surgeon—Dr Chandra Springs-Robinson—who was the only doctor who listened to her. Dr. Chandra Springs-Robinson performed Michelle’s first laparoscopic surgery in February of this year after her diagnosis of stage IV endometriosis.
“It’s Normal, Just Take Tylenol” is a piece about the very abnormal pelvic pain she would have several days out of the month. She would be in bed for days at a time to do nothing but writhe in pain and would often imagine the demons from “The Torment of St. Anthony” by Michealangelo to be clawing at her insides.
Menorrhagia 01, 02, 03, 04
Chrystal Lenardson
Photography, mixed media
2023
Sliding Scale Pricing
Menorrhagia
(Men-o-raaage-iya)
My last period lasted for six months. After it started, but considerably before it ended, I started shedding big, then bigger clots. At first, they surprised me, glossy deep red and black stuff winking up from the layers of my menstrual routine.
diva cup + extra-long heavy always with wings + leak-proof panties
change every two hours
They were scary, alien, revolting, but manageable within their padded confines. Then they started creeping out, taking advantage of any naked moment.
Pulling off my pants… bloop
Stepping into the shower... plop
Stepping out of the tub… splat
We started spiraling, the clots and I, spinning down the drain. They became a physical symbol of pain, exhaustion, anxiety, fear, and shame; my personalized lumpy-uterus subscription bundle. I started to drown in my own body horror.
So I shot them. Digitized. Recontextualized. I captured them with my cameraphone and gazed upon them until they stopped oozing. Until they were just what they were - little blobs of red blood cells holding fast to one another, trying to stay inside.
my body trying to stay alive
What We Lost
Dana Edwards
Pencil
2023
NFS
January 2021 my ferret Slinky needed her spleen removed due to a benign tumor. At the time I worked at a diagnostic lab in histology, so I actually was able to photograph the organ when we received it and watch the sample as it traveled through the lab. I even created the paraffin block and cut the slides for the pathologist to examine. I comforted her after her surgery, and not long after that I had my laparoscopy due to endometriosis. Mine was a Unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Unilateral, meaning one side, salpingectomy, the removal of the fallopian tube, and oophorectomy, the removal of an ovary. She slept next to me every day as I healed, and I felt we bonded more in those few months than we had in her whole life of six years. Ferrets definitely show affection but it is different from cats or dogs. But I felt our relationship expand in a sweet and loving way. Then one week she left my side and was only seen with my male ferret Stanley. My feelings were bruised, but I soon understood as he passed away from old age in July. Then she was at my side again, inseparable until she too passed from old age in October. It was a whirlwind of a year filled with pain and loss, yet also comfort. I comforted her after her surgery, she comforted me after mine, and we both comforted each other at the loss of our friend. I have included two species of jasmine flowers as they are one of my favorite scents, and I actually found their notable ferret musk smelled like jasmine (however no one else did.) The tumor in her spleen is depicted by a cat skull, and the endometrioma on my ovary is depicted by a dog skull. The ovary is a magnolia flower, my second favorite scent, and the fallopian tube ends in a chrysanthemum because its petals remind me of the fimbriae.
What We Lost
Dana Edwards
Pencil
2023
NFS
January 2021 my ferret Slinky needed her spleen removed due to a benign tumor. At the time I worked at a diagnostic lab in histology, so I actually was able to photograph the organ when we received it and watch the sample as it traveled through the lab. I even created the paraffin block and cut the slides for the pathologist to examine. I comforted her after her surgery, and not long after that I had my laparoscopy due to endometriosis. Mine was a Unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Unilateral, meaning one side, salpingectomy, the removal of the fallopian tube, and oophorectomy, the removal of an ovary. She slept next to me every day as I healed, and I felt we bonded more in those few months than we had in her whole life of six years. Ferrets definitely show affection but it is different from cats or dogs. But I felt our relationship expand in a sweet and loving way. Then one week she left my side and was only seen with my male ferret Stanley. My feelings were bruised, but I soon understood as he passed away from old age in July. Then she was at my side again, inseparable until she too passed from old age in October. It was a whirlwind of a year filled with pain and loss, yet also comfort. I comforted her after her surgery, she comforted me after mine, and we both comforted each other at the loss of our friend. I have included two species of jasmine flowers as they are one of my favorite scents, and I actually found their notable ferret musk smelled like jasmine (however no one else did.) The tumor in her spleen is depicted by a cat skull, and the endometrioma on my ovary is depicted by a dog skull. The ovary is a magnolia flower, my second favorite scent, and the fallopian tube ends in a chrysanthemum because its petals remind me of the fimbriae.
Fallopian Blooms
In August 2020 I was diagnosed with endometriosis, having a cyst that was 8x9x11 cm. Removal of cysts is suggested at 4 cm and larger. I had my surgery in April 2021 and upon awakening the entire ovary and fallopian tube was removed because there were more abnormal growths than thought. The physical healing was easy but the internal healing was more challenging for me, and I struggled with feelings of betrayal from my very own body. I posted about it on social media and was shocked at how many friends also had endometriosis or pelvic pain conditions. Three of my friends even had the same surgery I had! We had amazing conversations, shared knowledge, and I’m sure others benefitted from our discussions. It ignited personal research into reproductive health, what my disease was, and what others could potentially have. The more I learned about polyps, cancers and cysts, the more I wanted to share healing, comfort and strength. The skulls represent different illnesses and the locations they could be, such as a fundal subserosal fibroid represented as a horse skull, a cervix carcinoma as a lemur skull, and endometriosis as shrew and mouse skulls. The reproductive system is made up of florals selected using historical Victorian flower language symbolism. Some examples of the pairings are the uterus as edelweiss, symbolizing courage and daring. The right ovary is an eglantine rose, a wound to heal, and the left ovary a protea flower, symbolizing transformation.
Fallopian Blooms
Dana Edwards
Watercolor
2021
NFS
In August 2020 I was diagnosed with endometriosis, having a cyst that was 8x9x11 cm. Removal of cysts is suggested at 4 cm and larger. I had my surgery in April 2021 and upon awakening the entire ovary and fallopian tube was removed because there were more abnormal growths than thought. The physical healing was easy but the internal healing was more challenging for me, and I struggled with feelings of betrayal from my very own body. I posted about it on social media and was shocked at how many friends also had endometriosis or pelvic pain conditions. Three of my friends even had the same surgery I had! We had amazing conversations, shared knowledge, and I’m sure others benefitted from our discussions. It ignited personal research into reproductive health, what my disease was, and what others could potentially have. The more I learned about polyps, cancers and cysts, the more I wanted to share healing, comfort and strength. The skulls represent different illnesses and the locations they could be, such as a fundal subserosal fibroid represented as a horse skull, a cervix carcinoma as a lemur skull, and endometriosis as shrew and mouse skulls. The reproductive system is made up of florals selected using historical Victorian flower language symbolism. Some examples of the pairings are the uterus as edelweiss, symbolizing courage and daring. The right ovary is an eglantine rose, a wound to heal, and the left ovary a protea flower, symbolizing transformation.
Recovery Piece/Bakunawa
Michelle Mateo
Oil and mixed media on canvas
2023
$500
Michelle Mateo is a multidisciplinary artist based in San Diego. She suffered from debilitating pain from endometriosis for about seven years and accepted that fate after several doctors told her that the pain was normal. This was before she met her surgeon—Dr Chandra Springs-Robinson—who was the only doctor who listened to her. Dr. Chandra Springs-Robinson performed Michelle’s first laparoscopic surgery in February of this year after her diagnosis of stage IV endometriosis.
Her work also creates connections to ancient Filipino folklore. In the painting, “Recovery Piece/Bakunawa” a serpent-like dragon is seen trying to swallow a moon while a hand is reaching for the same moon. The Bakunawa is a Philippine mythological creature who is believed to cause natural disasters and tried to swallow the last of the seven moons. The people of the earth were able to join together to take back the moon from the Bakunawa who then retreated into a cave, only to return once in a while to try to devour the moon. The piece was created during her six week post-surgery recovery period.
Recovery Piece/Bakunawa
Michelle Mateo
Oil and mixed media on canvas
2023
$500
Michelle Mateo is a multidisciplinary artist based in San Diego. She suffered from debilitating pain from endometriosis for about seven years and accepted that fate after several doctors told her that the pain was normal. This was before she met her surgeon—Dr Chandra Springs-Robinson—who was the only doctor who listened to her. Dr. Chandra Springs-Robinson performed Michelle’s first laparoscopic surgery in February of this year after her diagnosis of stage IV endometriosis.
Her work also creates connections to ancient Filipino folklore. In the painting, “Recovery Piece/Bakunawa” a serpent-like dragon is seen trying to swallow a moon while a hand is reaching for the same moon. The Bakunawa is a Philippine mythological creature who is believed to cause natural disasters and tried to swallow the last of the seven moons. The people of the earth were able to join together to take back the moon from the Bakunawa who then retreated into a cave, only to return once in a while to try to devour the moon. The piece was created during her six week post-surgery recovery period.
ALLODYNIA or THE PAIN OF MISINTERPRETATION
Jacinto Lavin
Watercolor, Gouache, Ink
2019
NFS
Pain, resulting from a stimulus that would not normally cause pain, implying an error in neuronal conduction. A symptom. A name. A wearing deep of the same miscommunication to form a new pain pathway. Repetition, echoes, wearing wearing wearing down as crisscrossed connections become stronger. Vines ripping into each other. Seams becoming boning becoming live wires.
I couldn’t say that I was transgender when I painted this. I didn’t understand why I was so sensitive to engendered circumstances that didn’t affect my peers at all, or that even brought them joy. When I began to learn about my chronic pain, I realized how much weight I was carrying and how much pain I had accepted in efforts to push through the years of my life. Allowing myself to identify what felt like a rusty scaffolding twisting itself into my pelvis eventually translated into the ability to name other kinds of pain as it arose. The treatment I received for my disability helped me accept my transexuality. It was not necessary for me to live with this much daily pain.
The prognosis for allodynia varies with each diagnosis. There is no instant or complete treatment plan. There are, however, a lot of small measures and sometimes this adds up to relief. Nervous systems are elastic and ever changing. We are not plastered in with our pains. If they can grow, so can we.
ALLODYNIA or THE PAIN OF MISINTERPRETATION
Jacinto Lavin
Watercolor, Gouache, Ink
2019
NFS
Pain, resulting from a stimulus that would not normally cause pain, implying an error in neuronal conduction. A symptom. A name. A wearing deep of the same miscommunication to form a new pain pathway. Repetition, echoes, wearing wearing wearing down as crisscrossed connections become stronger. Vines ripping into each other. Seams becoming boning becoming live wires.
I couldn’t say that I was transgender when I painted this. I didn’t understand why I was so sensitive to engendered circumstances that didn’t affect my peers at all, or that even brought them joy. When I began to learn about my chronic pain, I realized how much weight I was carrying and how much pain I had accepted in efforts to push through the years of my life. Allowing myself to identify what felt like a rusty scaffolding twisting itself into my pelvis eventually translated into the ability to name other kinds of pain as it arose. The treatment I received for my disability helped me accept my transexuality. It was not necessary for me to live with this much daily pain.
The prognosis for allodynia varies with each diagnosis. There is no instant or complete treatment plan. There are, however, a lot of small measures and sometimes this adds up to relief. Nervous systems are elastic and ever changing. We are not plastered in with our pains. If they can grow, so can we.
The Joy of Surgery
Hannah Johansen
oil paint on canvas
2022
$250
A figure steeped in the bliss of post surgical freedom, this painting was developed during my recovery period from my second surgery. I have had three surgical laparoscopy done on my abdomen, and each surgery brought me closer to my identity as a non-binary woman. I wear my scars with extreme pride.
The Joy of Surgery
Hannah Johansen
oil paint on canvas
2022
$250
A figure steeped in the bliss of post surgical freedom, this painting was developed during my recovery period from my second surgery. I have had three surgical laparoscopy done on my abdomen, and each surgery brought me closer to my identity as a non-binary woman. I wear my scars with extreme pride.
Internal Landscape
Hannah Johansen
oil paint on canvas
2022
$250
Yellows and pinks reminiscent of a San Diego sunset, my oil painting of my inverted uterus doubles as an internal landscape.
Internal Landscape
Hannah Johansen
oil paint on canvas
2022
$250
Yellows and pinks reminiscent of a San Diego sunset, my oil painting of my inverted uterus doubles as an internal landscape.
LIFT ME
Hannah Johansen
Mixed Media
2023
$50 per photo
A simple cloth- lift me- and be shocked. The abject horror of an inverted uterus, of cystic ovaries, and endometriosis plaguing my insides. Take tylenol. Be shot up with chemo drugs. Be told, You’re Too Fat For This Procedure. Beg for help to anyone who listened. Dr. Springs-Robinson was the open ear; a delicate surgical touch, and nuanced approach to my severe and ignored illness. Using robotic laparoscopy, she unveiled to the world the curse of my womb. My complete hysterectomy has given me the freedom of surgical joy. Being a non-binary woman, my menopause, a gift. These photos - a forever lasting proof of my invisible illness, and my tortured existence.
LIFT ME
Hannah Johansen
Mixed Media
2023
$50 per photo
A simple cloth- lift me- and be shocked. The abject horror of an inverted uterus, of cystic ovaries, and endometriosis plaguing my insides. Take tylenol. Be shot up with chemo drugs. Be told, You’re Too Fat For This Procedure. Beg for help to anyone who listened. Dr. Springs-Robinson was the open ear; a delicate surgical touch, and nuanced approach to my severe and ignored illness. Using robotic laparoscopy, she unveiled to the world the curse of my womb. My complete hysterectomy has given me the freedom of surgical joy. Being a non-binary woman, my menopause, a gift. These photos - a forever lasting proof of my invisible illness, and my tortured existence.