Since 2004, the MS Society of Canada has been honoured to showcase
artwork from the MS community as cover art for our national publications.
By sharing the work of these artists we hope to:
Inspire and encourage individuals in the MS community,
Create further awareness of MS,
Foster the idea that MS presents challenges, not obstacles.
We would like to share some of the original artwork submitted
to us.
Some artist biography’s have been included. Enjoy!
Canadian Mountains out West
Christine Bayer
"I have had a life long love affair with colour, attributable to my strong European roots. My paintings reflect this love through the use of strong vibrant tones and textures that explore the mystery of changing light and reflect the true colours of nature. My works are a visual testimony to my commitment to life.
In 2001, I was diagnosed with MS and gradually lost the use of my right dominant hand. With the encouragement and support from my husband, I was able to teach myself to paint with my left hand. Since 2007, I have been able to continue exhibiting and selling my art for others to enjoy for a lifetime."
Calm Seas
Mary G. Dunphy
(acrylic on canvas)
“Like most people in our society I defined myself by the career I had for many years. When MS forced me to discontinue working outside the home I searched for new avenues to provide that identity and I eventually turned to art. I find art and painting to be immensely fulfilling. Art gives me a new sense of purpose and a new way of looking at the world around me.”
Mary is an artist from Newfoundland. Calm Seas is an example of realism painting and depicts the romance and serenity of the tall ships and in particular HMS Bounty.
Deer at Rest
Linda Groundsell
Dwelling Places
Kathy Harvey*
(oil on canvas)
“I've had so many opportunities in my life to contribute. I would never have dreamt that I'd be painting and making money for the MS Society from it... if you don't take opportunities – even ones you think you aren't capable of – you miss out on a lot. Everybody, with MS or otherwise, has something to offer. You just need to think about what that is."
Kathy is an artist and advocate for patient autonomy in long-term care facilities. She began painting on a whim in the 1980s. Her work has raised over $200,000 for the Mississauga Chapter through the sale of Christmas cards. She is now a nationally recognized mouth painter. Kathy has received a number of awards for her various contributions, including the MS Society of Canada Sir David Flavelle Award of Distinction, and the prestigious Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship in 2002.
Christmas cards as well as limited print editions of Dwelling Places can be purchased through the Mississauga Chapter at info.mississauga@mssociety.ca
*Assisted by Betty Williams
Evening Gold
Helen Carson
(watercolour on paper)
"As a child I became tuned into nature & throughout the years have always found spiritual peace there."
Helen has lived almost all her life on a farm in Saskatchewan. She was diagnosed with MS in 1990. Helen has been interested in art since she was a child and has taught watercolour classes for many years. She describes the desire to paint as a force within. In this piece Helen sought to capture the quiet and calm of a sunset, after a busy day at the lake.
Gone Forever
Diane Estabrook
(watercolour on paper)
"My approach to art is to get away from just painting what I see, to painting from somewhere within."
Diane has had MS as long as she has painted. With over 30 years of joy and struggle behind her, she has never given up. Diane bought a business at age 43, achieved a BFA degree at 49 and received a certificate in Arts Management a year later. Just as when she first began painting, Diane finds that her work ‘is focused not on the whole, but within, where balance can exist’.
Hand in Hand
Paul Pinsler
"I have been taking photographs since I was sixteen years old starting with a Kodak box camera. When I became really getting serious about my photography I took several photography courses and began to shoot as a freelancer doing both commercial and party work. I joined a camera club where the competition and critiquing from the more experienced and published members really helped to develop my skills and photography know how both from the technical as well as artistic perspective.
My merchandising and marketing business positions allowed me to travel the world and my equipment traveled with me. I was fortunate to be able to visit many countries in Europe and Asia as well as major portions of Canada and the USA, photographing when time allowed.
About 15 years ago I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. I have slowed down a little but my passion for photography continues. Even though I have MS, friends tell me that I’m a “glass half full” person and the poem on my website expresses my outlook for photography and life.
“The reason to paint any picture is to share my feelings about life itself. When I paint I tell the viewer what I like, what I believe, and what I'm concerned about.”
Heather is an award-winning artist from Barrie, Ontario. Her first career was in cartography. Following a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis at the age of 36 she turned to art full time. Painting played a major role in enabling Heather to cope with her illness, and provided a cathartic outlet. Gradually her technical skills improved, she entered local shows and she became increasingly involved with the art community. Much of Heather's work is inspired from her love of nature.
You can learn more about Heather, her portraits of animals and her award-winning work by visiting her website, www.heatherkertzer.ca.
Mountain Lake
Marcello DiBarbora
(oil on canvas)
"Painting is a Dream"
talian-born Marcello settled in Kingston, Ontario in 1954. Marcello has always been interested in painting. In the late 1990s, Marcello, who was no longer able to paint with his hands, started a Paint-by-Mouth program in his community. Supported by volunteers in handling the paints, Marcello is a tireless painter. Marcello’s wife, Licia, is proud of his strength and passion: "Painting keeps Marcello busy and interested in the world. It keeps the world alive for him."
Opportunitus 4b
Bill Miller
(photography computer graphics)
“Representing the potential of pursuing any or all opportunities that are continually available.”
Opportunitus 4b is part of a series of works by Edmonton artist Bill Miller, which he calls,‘Chairbrush Paintings.’ Bill, who has had progressive MS for over 25 years, uses hands-free computer technology to create beautiful expressionist images from photographs of his wheelchair tracks in the snow. For more information about Bill and his work, visit his site: www.theartmiller.ab.ca/bluewind/.
Painted Earth
Heather Kertzer
(acrylic on canvas)
"The reason to paint any picture is to share my feelings about life itself. When I paint I tell the viewer what I like, what I believe, and what I’m concerned about."
Heather is an award-winning artist from Barrie, Ontario. In 1992, Heather was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Since then she has turned her sights completely to her art career and is now a full time artist, portraying her love for the land, its animals and nature through her work.
You can learn more about Heather, her portraits of animals and her award-winning work by visiting her website, www.heatherkertzer.ca.
Pear Power
Diane Estrabrook
(watercolour on paper)
"Pear Power is an analogy for me; I can either stand out or sit out in life."
Diane Estabrook has had MS as long as she has painted. With over 30 years of joy and struggle behind her, she has never given up. Diane bought a business at age 43, achieved a BFA degree at 49 and received a certificate in Arts Management a year later. This is the second time one of Diane’s paintings has appeared on the cover of an MS Society of Canada publication. Gone Forever appears as cover art on the publication Cognitive Change and Multiple Sclerosis.
Strolling Along the Doghide Trail
Helen Carson
(watercolour)
Helen has lived almost all of her life on a farm in Saskatchewan. She was diagnosed with MS in 1990. Helen has been interested in art since she was a child and has taught watercolour classes for many years. She describes the desire to paint as a force within. The Doghide Trail is named after the river that flows through the east side of Tisdale and is one of several little rivers in the Northest Region of Saskatchewan.
"Though I've lived with MS for twenty years I still find the time and energy to create."
Sylvia is an artist from B.C. with multiple sclerosis. She has been drawing and painting for most of her life. She likes to paint the world as she sees it, sometimes from the perspective of realism, and sometimes allowing her imagination to lead the way.
"Though I’ve lived with MS for twenty years I still find the time and energy to create."
Sylvia is an artist from B.C. with multiple sclerosis. She has been drawing and painting for most of her life. She likes to paint the world as she sees it, sometimes from the perspective of realism, and sometimes allowing her imagination to lead the way.
