...I still can't believe that some of these artistic expressions come through me. I work very very hard on all of my creations, but it was never anything that I studied in my past. For me, art really sincerely is, a spiritual expression. It flows through me, like a message to be shared. About This Piece: This beautiful exotic face is aged and brushed with gold rays of light. An ornate wing emerges, and the moment is captured on this breathtaking masterpiece. Swimming in rich blues, with abundant texture and shades of illuminating white, this is a powerful one-of-a -kind work of art. Made from the hands of a survivor, and brought to life by the spirit of a visionary. The energy in the room is forever changed by the presence of this stunning sculptural relief by Dr Franky Dolan. To be in person with one of these pieces, is fiercely etherial and lasts a lifetime. ...This Wall Sculpture Relief measures 3 feet by 2 feet, on a strong wood-frame wrapped canvas. The new Art Relief! Fae Factory Wall Sculptures are fine art tokens of protection. Using countless layers of eco-friendly clay, canvas, paints and finishes; these works carry the energy of safety and protection to every home that houses them. Like a touchable multi-dimensional window from another etherial world, you can hang one on your wall, and feel the impact every time that you walk by. See the details, note the finger strokes and rhythms in the sculpted piece. Each is a treasured one of a kind work of art.
So many people have no clue about just how hard you have to work on simply being alive, when illness pulls you down every single second of your entire life.
The things that most people take for granted... Walking, bathing, breathing, reading, speaking and spending time with friends --all without effort. When you are seriously chronically ill, these things all come with an enormous sacrifice. I have been ill for more than half of my life, with a disease that has no cure --and no treatment. I don't care anymore if someone who has never been seriously ill thinks that I "talk too much" about my illness. I don't care. What I do care about is helping those people who fight everyday so thanklessly. God, I wish that people could know how amazing all of my Invisible Diseases friends and peers are!
That is why this disease is called "invisible". I have seen such incredible warriors. INCREDIBLE warriors, fighting the greatest battle of their lives, for their lives. All without recognition. Just for the sake of living their truth, and believing that they deserve to have as much health and happiness as anyone else. You do, my beautiful friends! Keep marching on my beautiful survivors. I will be right beside you to the finish line! .. Please, if ever I falter, and begin to fall, help me to walk again. When I have the strength, I will help you in return. ...And to everyone else who has the immeasurable blessing of health, please reach out to those who are ill, and let them know that you are their advocate. You can sincerely save a life, simply by reaching out your hand.
The Wall Sculptures that I create still amaze me. It is a very spiritual and fluid process. I really do meditate on it first, and wait for visuals to come to me. Then I allow something to come through my hands, and my spirit, as I create... Fae Factory Wall Sculptures are fine art tokens of protection. Using countless layers of eco-friendly clay, canvas, paints and finishes; these works carry the energy of safety and protection to every home that houses them. Like a touchable multi-dimensional window from another etherial world, you can hang one on your wall, and feel the impact every time that you walk by. See the details, note the finger strokes and rhythms in the sculpted piece. Each is a treasured one of a kind work of art.
His strong and sweet face peaks through to us, as he wishes nothing but good fortune for all who gaze into him. Totally sculpted by freehand, this beautiful face took several months of layering, sculpting, sanding and painting to complete. The face is aesthetically framed with a tattered ornate design, reminiscent of ancient times past. ...This Wall Sculpture measures 20" x 16" on a strong wood-frame wrapped canvas. Such a sight, for me to see what comes thorough me like this.
All of the art that I create helps to raise awareness about Invisible Diseases, in some capacity. These Wall Sculptures are representations of the "invisibles" coming forward to fight for Invisible Diseases. They are the etherial, the fairies, the angels and the mythical. Like psychic physical imprints from one world to another, these beings are standing up for the honor of those who heroically survive with unsung suffering. ~
I really thought that this needed to be said once more. So many people deal with this issue, and I thought that I would just be pure and honest about my own troubles and triumphs over my first ride in the wheelchair...
Thousands of people with Invisible Diseases debate over the use of a wheelchair, and what that ‘means’ for them socially and emotionally. We have received many letters from people, asking for advice on whether or not to get a wheelchair. They are often sheepish or even scared about the potential repercussions, and want to connect with others who have faced the same issue.
Dr Dolan Reports:
Ahhh, the wheelchair. I can tell you that you are not alone, my friends. I once was a professional performer and traveled the world. Long ago, I knew what the hot lights of the stage felt like on my face. I once felt the silent breath and the eager spirits of thousands of people sitting in front of me; waiting to be entertained, just before I sang my first note or danced my first step. I used to use my body to tell stories, through physical comedy and interpretive dance. I worked so hard that I danced with shin splints and I went seven days per week this way. I loved it more than anything. I was a performer and I would give it up for nothing. ...That is, until I became ill.
I now am completely housebound. I was told by far too many under educated doctors that all I needed to do was embrace the idea of physical movement and exercise. My "exercise" is now in the form of standing in the shower on my own, and walking around my house as I am able to. My “workout” happens when I create art. Though My arms often shake with fatigue and my forehead sweats when I paint or sculpt for too long. Though I absolutely love creating art, it is “exercise” for my body, and that is as far as I can physically push now.
Still, I need to go to doctor appointments, and when I do, there are often long halls and short lines to wait in. I simply cannot do this on my own two legs. Like nearly broken twigs, my legs clench and crumble in burning pain and my feet fill with hot heavy blood. My head becomes even more faint than usual and I often have to sit or even lay down in line. Obviously this is not only embarrassing, it is impractical.
A very kind Physical Therapist suggested that I get a wheelchair. She said that she was surprised that I hadn’t had one already. I was nervous about how I might be treated out in the world, if I was in a wheelchair. I worked so hard to hold onto the tiny few strands of my former healthy life. I also feared that a wheelchair might act as a personal symbol of my illness getting even worse. Have you ever gained weight, and tried desperately to fit into your smaller sized clothing, just so you could believe that you hadn’t gained thaaat much weight? It was sort of like that, only much more serious in my mind. It was a very depressing and scary feeling to face. I struggled over it for a while. But then I took a deep breath, faced my fears with a good dose of bravery, and made my decision.
Now, I have a wheelchair for when I do actually leave the house. If I need to physically push myself, it is much safer to do it at home, where I can sit or lay immediately, no matter what I am doing. When I am out of the house and being wheeled around in the wheelchair, I am able to communicate better and I can ‘last’ longer on my outings. That is definitely worth facing any uncomfortable insecurities of being looked at in a funny way. Plus, when I am in a wheelchair, most people usually don’t treat me any differently than when I am out of a wheelchair. In fact, if anything, a wheelchair makes the illness less “invisible” in a very helpful and educational way! People begin to understand the severity of the illness, and they tend to respect you more, even if they do not fully understand it.
On the rare occasions of leaving my house, I am often too weak to look up and lift my head for too long. When I can though, I make eye contact and smile at everybody. Usually, people who do not use wheelchairs don't even think about it as much as those who do use wheelchairs. I am not ashamed at all. After all, it was nothing that I did to put myself there. This illness happened to me. ...To all of us!
Sitting in a wheelchair is one way of defying the illness, and telling the world that we are not going to take this fatigue lying down! Ironically, I once thought that a wheelchair might take even more of my life away from me. On the contrary, it gave me a little piece of it back.
Do not be ashamed for being a survivor. You are a beautiful and strong example of a person who does not give up! A wheelchair, like a crutch, or a shoulder to lean on, is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of a person willing to move forward, no matter what challenges they carry.
I discovered this design in the world of my imagination. There it was, floating in my mind, between excited curiosity and my romanticized thoughts of old world art.
Up for grabs to the lucky dreamer who sees my vision as the next great neck accessory. Also, it really is a real music box movement. It is a wonderful sensation, playing it on your chest. The twinkling sounds make you believe in magic just a little more. ..It plays Imagine, by John Lennon.
In the link, you can see more photos and read the story from the magazine article about it. Swarovski crystals, glass pearls and antique rhinestone findings. ...Aah, life! ;-)
One of the greatest people I have ever known, Amberlin Wu. My God, I miss her every single day. She was a great fighter, and an unbelievable warrior for life and survival. She lived with the same illness as I have. ME/CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and other diagnoses.) Amberlin saved me, in so many ways. She helped me to get into art, and to believe that there was something to say within / throughout my art. Just thinking about her causes an indescribable pain that sinks my gut like a weight on the bottom of the ocean. It hurts. Though, I also feel inspired, and somehow lifted to the warm light of the sun when I see her in my mind, in my spirit. She and I still talk, just not out loud. She still visits me, just not in body. I just couldn't start a blog without posting one of my old Dr Dolan Reports articles, here, for her. For you.... So pleae, read about my friend. Then, go out and live every fullest possible second of your life, just as you always dreamed you would. Love you guys...
Love you Amberlin... Here is what I wrote about beautiful Amberlin...
The War Has Lost A Soldier, But Gained An Angel
Today, one more spirit dances. She dances without her body. Others must live, and continue dancing together, ready to fight, ready to love.
Dr Dolan reports:
Please, let me tell you a story.
Amberlin Wu was born a strong spirited child, ready for the world ahead of her. She had passions to become a leader, a lover, a healer, a dancer. So much inside of her. She, like so many, became ill at a very young age. She was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. She was pushed around in the medical system, and the more that she needed help, the more battle scars she began collecting. You see, our modern medical system is full of too much ego, and not enough compassion. Amberlin’s illness was a mysterious one, and doctors brushed her off when they did not have the answers. Amberlin, like so many of us, once thought that doctors were there to help you through your process of illness. She believed that people became doctors because they were compassionate.
Amberlin was so compassionate that she herself even attended medical school at one point. She was too ill to continue, so she danced. But then, she was too ill to continue dancing, so she began advocating. She fought for the rights of all people like her, with this mystery disease. But when she went to rally her medical troops, her battle field was nearly empty. ...Where were the doctors she grew up with? Where were those healthy allies she had devoted so much of her life to? She was pushed aside by so many people she trusted, and thus began her collection of battle scars. Ironically, she prepared for a war, ready to face the opposition on the other side of her; little did she know that her battle scars would come from her own side of the war. The sad thing is, when we become so ill that we need our friends and neighbors to carry us, we have a hard time fighting a fight. And without the support of the medical community, she faced a losing battle, against her own team.
Still, she did not give up. She began finding little peaks of light in the corners of this dark battle field. She began finding other wounded fighters like her. She stretched her arms and extended her own light into the souls of these other fighters. The more that she shared her light, the stronger they became. In turn, these other wounded soldiers shared their own light. And a miraculous thing occurred. A light.
A beautiful light.
Among the wreckage of this dim army, began to grow a seed of light, that grew to a garden of hope and strength. She was connected to them all, every last beautiful bloom, Amberlin was connected. She began to see an army forming. People began rising above their suffering and bringing their voices together as one harmonious chorus. “Louder. Louder. Sing your truth, louder!” the people cried.
An army arose, a beautiful brigade of invisible fighters. There were children, mothers, fathers, teachers, and yes, even some doctors. Together, they were strong, and Amberlin was on that very front line. The people beside her, the people behind her, the light all around her. “Share your stories, tell your truths!” she cried again. “Tell your truths!” The people began holding hands and marching forward. They shared their truths, and they shared their growing light with the world ahead of them. Amberlin, along with so many, now had a mission; a dangerous, scary, magnificent and valiant mission. One with hope now, and one with a real army. An army of survivors.
Together they were strong! And together they remain strong. ...Amberlin grew too weak to continue fighting this war for health and compassion. She, like so many others, began her completion of this circle in life. Her own personal battle was fought, and she fought so damn hard. She was a true soldier, a warrior... a hero. My hero. Amberlin, my hero forever.
One last thing to mention about this story. Just as she approached the end of her circle of life, she reached out her hand once more. She held the weight of her life in her hands, and she told the people, “Be a light. Be your own light of strength. Tell your stories, and remember to love the ones around you. Love this life and hold tightly to each other. Always remember me, and always... be a light.”
Amberlin now has been released from her body. She is free to dance and play among the light. She rejoices in us all, we who are able to stay and fight. She wants us to continue to tell our stories, continue our fight. And she wants us to remember her light. Feel her light, guiding us, and comforting us.
We will find a cure for these waring diseases, we will no longer be invisible. We just have to continue shining our own lights among the dark corners of this world. Now is not the time to give up, my friends! Now is just the time to pick up our spirits, pull together and fight this fight in honor of Amberlin, and in honor of ourselves! Who is with me?! Are you in?!
Let’s go win this battle with our light. And let us remember to give ourselves moments of laughter, dance and play along the way.
Amberlin, I will love you forever, my old friend, my new angel. I will never give up.
And now, I leave you with a painting that I created. Every painting that I make has a story behind it. Amberlin loved this one so much. She inspired me to create art in my canvas, and art in my life. This piece now has such a different meaning to me. This one’s for you, m’dear...
She is a wise and old woman, alone in her body. She is ill and her life has been lived. When she was young, she had dreams of a life ahead, full and rich with laughter and singing. She lies now, alone and still. She drifts off into her slumber and she finds that she is young again. Young forever. ...Now, she dances.
She knows that her body is weak, but her spirit is not. She still has a life to live and a song to dance to. All of life, around her and throughout her, is a beautiful rhythm that connects all things living. She sees it, she feels it, she becomes it. She is no longer alone. She is no longer ill. She is no longer quiet, and no longer still. She is the wise, young spirit, free in her body. She has forgotten her pain, and found her rhythm once again. She knows that her suffering has led her into a life of strength, bravery, love and music forever. ...Now, she dances.
This painting is about hope. Even when we are tired and we are ill, there is always a spirit among our hurting bodies. Suffering brings wisdom, and patience brings strength. When you are scared and lonely, remember that in spirit, there is always a living rhythm that sings of hope. When we listen for the music among the quiet suffering, finally... the spirit dances.
Sending Love,
Dr Franky Dolan
(In the video: The three amigos; Amberlin, Monica and Franky. Friends forever, my little muddipuppies)
Legend has it that faeries will offer protection and abundance to all who prop up one of these magical portals. Perhaps the most spiritual and magnanimous item that we people can have for the Fae, is one of these Dream Doors. This allows for magical Fae people to come and flit about your home with ease. As a thank you, the faeries leave gifts to support your dreams and fantasies. So believe in yourself and your dreams. Keep these precious doors on a desk, a floorboard, by your bed, or anywhere else that you wish.
