Chronic Artists is a blog dedicated to those creative people who have to balance their artistic practice with the challenges of life with chronic illness or pain.

They may be an artist, writer, photographer, musician or artisan. They might be severely ill or mildly affected by their chronic health condition and/or pain. They may be from anywhere in the world.

The hope is to build a network through this blog and the Chronic Artists blog ring. Also to look at some of the challenges and highlight some of the work being done by those who just happen to have chronic illness or pain.

If you would like to be featured the easiest way is to join the Chronic Artist blog ring. Sign up is simple and you then add a simple text link to your own blog.

UPDATE March 2009: Some people have struggled to sign up to the blog ring. If you struggle drop me an email and I will add you to the blogroll list here on the blog.  I’m hoping to change the way you get involved when I have time to do so!

Chronic illness and pain can make us feel isolated. Hopefully this network can let you connect with other artists who understand.

The Chronic Artists blog and blog ring were set up by RachelCreative in June 2008.

Rachel had searched for a blog ring like this for a while. Gradually she found bloggers who were also artists trying to strike a balance with chronic health conditions.  FInally the reflections of fellow blogger Cusp pushed Rachel into action. Cusp’s blog post struck a chord with her and other chronically ill artists. When chronic illness strips away parts of our life and when we can’t practice art how we want, if at all, are we still artists? Of course we are – and sometimes we need other chronic artists to remind us of that.

Last updated 25 July 2008