Show Your Stripes
Show Your Stripes.
In medicine we have a saying, “when you hear hoofbeats, think horses not zebras.” The idea is this: as doctors we are taught that the most likely answer is typically the most common answer. A majority of diagnoses are rather routine; we see many of the same diseases day in and day out. Usually, symptoms can be explained by common illnesses (aka “horses”), but this isn’t always the case. What happens when the symptoms aren’t explained by a common disease? What happens when someone finds out they are one of the “zebras”?
I was asked by my aunt if I would be willing to create an artwork for the United Leukodystrophy Foundation (ULF) Symposium for a fundraiser auction. Leukodystrophies are a group of disorders that affect the central nervous system (ie the brain) and cause progressive loss of motor function skills. Patients diagnosed with these diseases often have difficulty walking, uncontrollable movements, and muscle spasms. Leukodystrophy, like many other diseases, is rare.
In gathering inspiration for this painting, I found that the zebra is commonly used as a symbol of rare diseases with the tag line, “Show Your Stripes.” I was instantly hooked, and knew I had to paint this stunning creature. The colors for this piece were inspired by the ULF logo. Blue is the predominant color, but red makes an appearance as well (can you see the small heart detail in the signature?). Equine eyes are particularly striking; they evoke a melancholic strength that is perfectly apt for this cause. The zebra embodies strength, uniqueness, beauty, and a touch of sorrow that just felt… right for the cause. It is my hope that this painting resonates with you. If you’d like to hear about the details of the art process, take a listen here and make sure to take a peek at the time lapse below.
“When you hear hoofbeats, think horses not zebras.”
Watercolor on paper, 16” x 20”
Time lapse of painting process.
