To wrap up Physical Therapy month, Evergreen Rehabilitation interviewed local Louisville, KY artist Kathleen Lolley. Kathleen has been creating unique art for more than a decade as an independent artist. Her work has been featured both nationally and internationally with emphasis on illustration and graphic art, as well as being named one of the Best Visual artists by the LEO Readers’ Choice Award. Kathleen is from Louisville, KY but currently resides in the hills and hollers of western Pennsylvania.
Artist’s statement: “I moved to Kentucky nine months after my birth. I spent my childhood split between the green hills of Kentucky and the magical dark forests of Pennsylvania. Storytelling plays a prominent role in my work. My earliest artistic inspiration came from family stories, folk tales and a discarded Hieronymus Bosch poster I found in a basement when I was a kid. My paintings contain visual narratives usually involving imaginary creatures acting out scenes of magic, illumination and transformation. I use innocence and playfulness to explore complex themes.”
How long have you been drawing and creating art?
I have been drawing since I can remember. I went to college for film and I was working in LA for many years. I had many jobs in the film industry, sometimes three jobs at a time. I would come home at night and paint until I passed out. I started having art shows and the more art I sold, the less I needed all those jobs. So I quit them one by one. It's been almost ten years of living off my work. It is a good feeling.
Who are people that have influenced you as a person and as an artist? Where do you draw inspiration?
I draw inspiration from everywhere - nature, music, poetry, people, dreams. My top influences that are human are: Leonora Carrington, Max Ernst, John James Audubon, Edward Gorey, Wendell Berry, Mark Ryden, Remedios Varo, Frida Kahlo, Ralph Eugene Meatyard.... the list goes on.
What were some of the symptoms that started affecting you, where you knew that ‘something’ wasn’t right? How did you come to the conclusion that you were in need of physical therapy?
My symptoms started years ago. I used to pull all-nighters and be pretty hard on my hands. After a long painting session my wrists would go numb followed by a pinching pain. I knew I needed help when I could no longer hold a pencil in my right hand. I went to a hand specialist and he confirmed I had carpal tunnel syndrome and I was having muscle spasms in my chest. I had a bunch of tests done and the doctor recommended physical therapy as a treatment. He wanted to try to avoid surgery, or only as a last resort. So I followed doctor's orders and went to PT one to two times a week for two months.
You use your hands extensively. How has physical therapy helped you regain movement and articulation?
At first I felt worse, but after a few weeks I regained movement and the pain slowly went away. After a month I was given the green light to do light yoga. I found a yoga teacher that had suffered from carpal tunnel as well. He showed me gentle movements and poses to do in conjunction with my PT. After adopting a gentler, healthier lifestyle, my hands/wrists feel almost as good as new.
How did you connect with your physical therapist? How was the assistant? How was your experience overall?
My doctor sent me to Walter at Kleinert Kutz at Baptist Hospital. I was lucky enough to get someone who was patient and could inject a little humor into the routine. He did not have an assistant that I can remember. My experience was great. I appreciate that my physical therapist listened and worked closely with my specific needs. If I keep with my routine and with the healthy lifestyle I will not need surgery.
Do you wish anything turned out differently?
I wish I did not have the medical bills that I do, but that's a different issue.
Do you have any art shows coming up? If so, where?
I am in a couple of group shows. One is this Thursday at Craft Gallery in Louisville. The other one is at Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft in the spring of 2016.
(Editor's note: Kathleen's show at Craft Gallery in Louisville took place on 10/29/15)
In closing, what would you say to someone in a similar situation regarding the need for physical therapy?
Do your homework (the routines/work at home according to your PT’s instructions). Getting yourself in a good routine means a faster recovery.
To see more work by Kathleen Lolley, please visit:
http://www.lolleyland.com
https://www.etsy.com/shop/Lolley
https://www.facebook.com/LolleyArt
