Jean Wykes OAS – portfolio

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Has an aggressive bully or something alien ever taken over you, a member of your family or maybe a friend? Something so overwhelming that puts you or them into a dark place? This bully or alien feeds on the person, sucking out their energy, turning them into someone else. What little energy they have left manifests itself in bitter changed, charged behaviour, temper tantrums, displays of raw emotion, frustration and anger. These bullies or aliens go by the name of various illnesses, maybe cancer, diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer’s, mental illness, arthritis, covid or its aftereffects (to name but a few) that affect so many people regardless of age. They seem like an unwelcome violent enemy that must be tamed with strong medication often making the person even more aggressive and unrecognizable and difficult to cope with for all concerned. These changes may be slow or very rapid depending on the force of the illness. 

 

You, your family members and wider circle of friends can also be affected by these changes. This ugly monster, the illness that contorts not only your loved one, but interactions with them, affects everyone in the circle. Everyone can be overwhelmed and rendered helpless by the invader. A battle develops over time to control or expel the overwhelming illness that is the enemy, to support and regain a form of wellness in the affected person. Are you winning or losing the battle for health and wellness?

 

This is my experience with a family member. In my work I strive to represent this state of unwellness and its ripple effect on my family and friends. Maybe the feelings of frustration, anger, dismay and sadness resonate with you? Drawing out my feelings has been very cathartic for me. If you are in this situation, I hope these images help you realize you are not alone in the ongoing battle for healthy wellness and give you courage to persevere. 

Jean Wykes May 2026