Karin Dove
Loss and adaptation are two prevalent themes of my experience living with long COVID and myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS). These chronic illnesses have caused what often feels like a progressive set of losses that include hobbies, a career, a social life, aspirations, and independence. Amid these strange and unwanted circumstances is my slow but steady process of reinvention and search for meaning, connection, and fulfillment.
Birding is a hobby I developed after I could no longer go for hikes and runs in nature but was missing the outdoors. It expanded my world, allowed me to get out in nature, and brought me contentment when my life felt very limited. Suddenly I could observe and identify the sounds of various species communicating in the forest where previously I had only noticed an indecipherable chorus of bird song. Right now I am often too sick to even drive to a birding spot or hold up binoculars for long periods of time, so most of my birding happens in my backyard.
I hope this exhibition brings awareness to the issues faced by people living with these serious illnesses and highlights the urgent need to find effective treatments to help those affected.
Karin Dove is a visual artist and patient advocate who lives in Berkeley, California. When she became chronically ill, she turned her focus to art as a way to express herself, continue to develop her skills, and find stability amid uncertainty. Her life is currently governed by the need for rest and energy conservation, but when able, she works in a variety of mediums, including paper making, embroidery, cyanotype, watercolor, and collage. These activities, accomplished a few minutes at a time over weeks and months, bring her joy and purpose.