Art Flare Artist Interview: Eliza Bullivant

We’re thrilled to introduce you to our first Art Flare Artist, Eliza Bullivant. Read her introductory interview below.

Tell us about the designs you've included in your Art Flare collection?

So originally I made this design with my bull terrier, Whitey, doing a bit of a silly sit. I was pretty involved with a bull terrier rescue and I sold shirts of the design for a fundraiser. I always said they were limited edition and that once they're gone I won't be selling them again. That was like 6 years ago, and people simply won't stop asking for a sit happens redux.

Of course "sit happens" is an iconic phrase. I also think raccoons are pretty iconic. They're always getting themselves in situations. I am also always getting myself in situations. It was the natural progression for this design.

Tell us about your chronic illness/disability?

I've had chronic back pain since I was about 11 (I'm 30 now). I'd say the last 8 years or so has been particularly rough for me in terms of medical stuff. I developed arthritis/tendinosis/enthesitis in my achilles tendons, and generally my joints and body get inflammed very easily. Something as simple as having an adult beverage or walking more than a few hundred metres can leave me in bed for days trying to recover. I only work 2 days a week but even then it can be a struggle.

I'm still searching for concrete answers - which is extremely tiring when your body is already working hard to just to maintain homeostasis - and I think we're getting close to a proper diagnosis.

My personality has definitely gone through shifts as symptoms appear, and with medications as well. As a kid I was super into running, swimming, surfing, netball and generally being outside. I would love to do those things again, but I also really love doing arts and crafts now, big into movies and being chronically online.

It's like I've lived two different lives, my body just chose which one it prefers. I'm lucky to have supportive friends and family and an excellent job with a very understanding boss. More programs like Art Flare are popping up and it makes me excited for what's to come, rather than always lamenting the past.

What did your journey to diagnosis look like?

I'm still on my journey now - so that's 19 years and thousands of dollars so far. It's been difficult. Lots of doctors have disregarded my symptoms. Lots of doctors have commented on my weight (which I will mention was never a problem until I could no longer walk without pain). Some doctors had their own agenda, and I was just fodder for their new book or miracle "diet". I think I have a good team now, finally. If doctors spoke to each other, this would have been easier.

I've had to prove myself to different specialists, without relying on any input from each other even when symptoms overlap. Currently, we're working with an "assumed diagnosis" of Psoriatic Arthritis for the ankle, back, and general body pain. I also have Acrodermatitis Continua of Hallopeau - which was actually (comparatively) fun diagnosis of a very rare disorder. My dermatologist is a lovely lady and I think she's genuinely seeking answers with/for me. She was pretty flabbergasted and ended up taking me to a meeting of Dermatologists at the hospital so they could poke and prod me. I think it was quite exciting for them to see someone with ACH.

I also have major depressive disorder, which I am medicated for. That's not to say all these ups and downs don't effect me though.

What role does art/creating play in your life?

For me, art is just a thing I do mindlessly most of the time. Of course, our current iteration of society is based on "productivity", and no one can tell me that drawing a silly little guy isn't productive, because I produced him.

It's almost like a cheat code for life, for me. I write the chalkboards at work and I can write and draw (almost) anything I want. I love to make people stop and giggle, or take a photo. I like to make people laugh at absurd art. That brings me a lot of joy.

I've never believed that you have to be "good" or "talented" to make art, and I like to push those boundaries by making utterly deranged art.

Do you have any advice for people who are new to the chronic illness experience?

You don't need to be good at something to enjoy doing it. Find your people, get silly.

Shop Eliza’s design ‘Sit Happens’ on our Port of Hope store