Rediscovering Art in the Midst of Epilepsy
Annette Aspen‘s journey into the world of art is an inspiring testament to the power of creativity to heal and empower. Born in 1968 in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, she was drawn to artistic pursuits from an early age, enjoying everything from pottery to woodwork. However, it wasn’t until later in life, after grappling with the challenges of epilepsy, that Aspen truly found her place as a professional artist. Her early career as a sound engineer at BBC World Service came to an abrupt end due to the increasing severity of her seizures, but rather than let this setback define her, Aspen transitioned into a new role as a mother and a volunteer teaching assistant.
It was only after her son left for university that Aspen rediscovered her love for creating visual art, spurred on by her experiences with art therapy during a hospital stay. This therapy offered her a vital creative outlet that she had been unknowingly seeking for years. Encouraged by the positive feedback she received online through her Instagram account, Aspen gradually realized that she could channel her inner turmoil and struggles into something beautiful. What began as a therapeutic exercise soon evolved into a full-fledged career, with Aspen’s work gaining international attention. A partnership with an American microbrewery placed her artwork on beer cans, leading to further commissions and art sales, solidifying her status as a professional artist.
Annette Aspen: Navigating Life Through Paint
Despite the joy she derives from her art, Aspen’s life is anything but simple. Her epilepsy, a lifelong condition that worsened over the years, continues to influence not only her daily routine but also her creative process. The luxury of having a studio in her garage means that Aspen can engage with her art during even the briefest moments of clarity, but on difficult days, her body’s limitations make it nearly impossible to focus on her work. During these periods, Aspen’s seizures, both physically and mentally draining, can significantly impair her ability to paint. However, Aspen refuses to allow her condition to entirely dictate her artistic output.
One of the defining features of Aspen’s work is how she incorporates her neurological condition into her art. She describes how the erratic bursts of energy in her brain often translate directly onto the canvas, creating chaotic but hopeful images. This dynamic interplay between the unpredictability of her seizures and her artistic vision imbues her work with a visceral quality, reflecting both the challenges of living with a chronic illness and the optimism of an eventual recovery. In fact, after undergoing a significant surgical procedure in 2024, Aspen’s post-recovery work took on new meaning. Despite suffering from a brain bleed during the operation, she emerged with a renewed passion, her first post-surgery painting serving as a powerful reminder of her resilience.
The Power of Emotion on Canvas
Annette Aspen’s art speaks deeply to the raw emotions she experiences due to her condition. Her painting “Seize the Day” is a perfect example, capturing the visual expression of a seizure on canvas. While Aspen had previously experienced seizures while painting, “Seize the Day” stands out because the entire episode was caught on canvas, preserving a moment of chaos and beauty. Revisiting the piece the next day, she painted over much of the work but left distinct marks to maintain the visceral energy of the experience. This painting, like many others, tells the story of how Aspen channels her disorder into art, transforming painful experiences into compelling visual narratives.
Similarly, her piece “Cut Through All The Crazy” holds a special place in her heart, as it was the first major work she completed after her recovery from brain surgery. The piece evolved over time, with Aspen starting it just weeks after her hospital discharge, unsure if she would ever regain her creative drive. The physical and mental restrictions she experienced at the time, such as impaired speech and thought processes, made the painting process challenging. Yet, through encouragement from her family and friends, Aspen completed the painting in July, coinciding with World Brain Day. This work, like much of Aspen’s portfolio, exemplifies how she uses art to raise awareness about neurological disorders while also advocating for brain health.
Annette Aspen: Finding Her Voice Through Art
Aspen’s work has gained wider recognition, with her painting “Lullaby” earning her a place in the esteemed “Art & Neurodiversity” exhibition at Sotheby’s in London. Seeing her work in a prestigious gallery alongside world-renowned artists was a surreal experience for Aspen, cementing her status as an artist of note. This particular piece, sold in the presence of Princess Beatrice, signified a pivotal moment in her career. From Instagram posts to Sotheby’s, Aspen’s progression has been both rapid and remarkable, a reflection of her unyielding commitment to sharing her journey through her art.
Acrylic paints, Aspen’s preferred medium, offer her the flexibility to work quickly and efficiently, even in short bursts between seizures. She enjoys experimenting with different textures and densities, often mixing acrylics with plaster of Paris or texture pastes to add depth to her work. Despite the occasional challenges—such as spills caused by unsteadiness or double vision—Aspen’s innovative use of materials gives her paintings a tactile, layered quality. Although she initially struggled with acrylic pour techniques, Aspen has since honed her skills and continues to explore new methods, allowing her to push the boundaries of her creativity.
As Aspen contemplates the future, her dreams remain ambitious. She envisions participating in an accessible residency abroad, where she can immerse herself in different landscapes and share her work with the public. Although her health imposes certain limitations, Aspen has proved time and time again that she can overcome whatever obstacles are placed in her path. With upcoming exhibitions, a growing body of work, and an unwavering dedication to supporting epilepsy research, Aspen continues to inspire both fellow artists and those who battle chronic conditions, showing that art can be a powerful force for both personal and communal healing.
