8 Years Ago Today
A Personal Story of Resilience and Creative Growth
On August 4, 2017, my world shifted without warning.
I woke up with a strange numbness on the right side of my face and the back of my head. At the same time, I experienced sudden hearing loss in my right ear. That morning marked the beginning of a journey that would test me in ways I never expected—and also open up new creative paths I hadn’t seen coming.
What followed were months of late-night ER visits, medical testing, and an exhausting cycle of specialist consultations. While I’ve been fortunate to work with an incredible care team over the years, the early stages were filled with misdiagnoses and uncertainty. Eventually, I was diagnosed with Ménière’s disease, a chronic inner ear condition that affects both hearing and balance.
In my case, it led to permanent hearing loss in my right ear, which continues to affect my equilibrium and sensory processing.
Today, I live with a combination of auditory and vestibular symptoms, including:
Tinnitus – persistent ringing and buzzing in the ears
Hyperacusis – pain and sensitivity triggered by everyday sounds and high frequencies
Aural fullness – recurring pressure or blockage in the ear, like being stuck mid-descent on an airplane
Vestibular dysfunction – ongoing dizziness and unpredictable, spinning vertigo attacks
These symptoms are invisible—but they shape how I experience space, sound, light, emotion, and how I connect to others.
Art as Survival, Healing, and a Tool of Communication
Art has always been an integral part of my identity. I’ve been painting since I was young, using visual language to understand the world around me. But after losing part of my hearing, my art practice took on new urgency.
It became a lifeline—a way to quiet external noise when I needed stillness, and to cope with the internal noise (like tinnitus) that I couldn’t turn off. Painting helped me process emotional and sensory shifts. It became a map for exploring what sound looks like, and more importantly, how it feels.
As an abstract artist based in Miami, my recent work continues to reflect this internal terrain. It’s shaped by my lived experience with hearing loss, vestibular symptoms, and tinnitus, while aiming to evoke peace, connection, and sensory awareness.
Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to exhibit in 85+ shows across the U.S. and abroad. My work has evolved from lyrical surrealism to abstract compositions exploring rhythm, flow, and the subtleties of sound and silence. While my technique has changed, the purpose remains the same: to express what can’t always be explained with words.
Why I Share These Words on This ‘Anniversary’
It’s not always easy to talk about chronic illness—especially when it’s invisible. But over time, I’ve learned the value of sharing. Not for pity, but for connection. For awareness. For those still searching for answers.
If you live with Ménière’s disease, tinnitus, hearing loss, or another invisible or vestibular condition, I see you. You’re not alone.
Here’s to creating space for empathy, connection, and the things we don’t always see but feel deeply.
I’d love to hear from you
Whether we've connected through my art, shared a similar life or health journey, or you're simply curious to learn more about these conditions and how to support others. Feel free to leave a comment below or on Instagram. Or reach out via email—I'm always happy to connect.
Thank you for being here.
With love and appreciation,