Rochelle Swanson
Adopted at birth by two wonderful and loving parents, I was gifted with an extremely supportive family, but plagued with severe challenges. Not only was I born with a severe clubfoot, but with also developed Childhood Onset Bipolar Disorder. In my early teenage years, I spent much time in psychiatric facilities trying to overcome my illness. However, it was not until I was sixteen and was introduced to art that I was able to start to crawl out of the darkness and enjoy life. Though I still face extreme mood swings and intense pain from fibromyalgia, I am not able to see them for what they are- challenges. Art has helped me to shift my perception and now I am able to enjoy my life, even with the intense emotional and physical pain that I must face. Artist statement written by Rochelle Swanson
