Megan Parker Artist

“Peaks and Valleys”

“Peaks and Valleys” - a series of 8x10 paintings on wood panels that represents the duality of living with chronic illness and highlighting how abilities can fluctuate. A project I undertook so I didn’t lose my mind or my mental health while my physical health took a hit.

When I first started sharing my art, I had zero intentions of opening up about my illnesses. But as it turns out, when the source of my inspiration is the active adventures I have in the mountains, and my chronic lung disease can sometimes threaten my ability to explore the mountains in the way I want to, I suppose it was inevitable that I’d start to ponder these themes and meaningful places a little deeper.

Each painting features a spot that we hiked to as a family this past summer, places that I wouldn’t have felt capable of accessing while I’ve been unwell - but serve as a reminder that I can do hard things and will again, just like I have after every past pulmonary exacerbation.

I kept the colours and details simple, which is symbolic because when you’re unwell like I’ve been, you’re stripped down to your basic needs - medicine, eating as well as you can, staying hydrated, resting an insane amount, and doing your best not to lose your sh*t in the process 😉. Plus I chose my two favourite shades of greens and blues simply because they bring me a lot of joy.

I left the wood panels exposed instead of painting the sky, which I suppose represents how exposed you feel when you have to admit you need the stronger meds, as much as you don’t want to.

McArthur Lake