Fighting Arthritis with Art

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By Holly Ames

M50o93H7pQ09L8X1t49cHY01Z5j4TT91fGfr Fighting Arthritis with Art

Published: Wed, September 05, 2007 - 4:14 pm
Last Updated: Wednesday, September 05, 2007 - 4:19 pm

Rheumatoid arthritis ended her corporate career, but that ending was just the beginning of the life she had always wanted. Holly Irwin's story is a story of hope.

Holly Irwin had a 20 year career in marketing. In 1993 she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Five years later, the pain forced her to end her career. Irwin says, "I felt like the world was over, like my life had ended and it was a pretty dark time for me." '

But a brighter time for Irwin was waiting just around the corner. "I started to pick up a pencil and draw which I hadn't done in 20 years and it seemed almost like one life had ended and was behind me." She added, "Then a new life had opened and it's almost like it's the life I had always wanted in the first place."

Irwin said her love of art was never too far away. She began formal art lessons at the age of 12 and even studied art in college. A career in business took her away from her passion and it was rheumatoid arthritis that brought her back. Painting has not only become her new career, it's also an escape from the pain. "When I'm in my studio, when I'm really immersed in what I'm doing and I'm working on a painting, I forget about the pain."

Irwin paints dream like paintings. She says they are to remind us of a simpler time. Perhaps they're also a beautiful reminder that even when things seem dark, there is a way to paint a brighter future.

"In a way it's kind of like a mixed blessing. Don't get me wrong, I don't like having the arthritis, but opened up a new door, a whole new life and for that I'm really thankful."

If you'd like a first hand look at Holly's paintings, you'll have a chance Friday, September 7th. Irwin's work will be featured at the The Lyons Share Gallery on De La Mare Avenue during the First Friday Art Walk in Fairhope from 6 p.m. To 8 p.m.

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