The idea for the See ME Expo began in 2019, when my illustration Elephant and ME was shown at an art expo in Belgium. Only later did I learn that the organiser, Dascha, severely ill with ME and bedridden most of the time, had coordinated the entire event from her bed, unable to attend in person or see the outcome of her work.
That moment sparked a vision for a virtual art exhibition, created so people who are housebound or unable to travel can still experience and share in the beauty of an expo online.
Dascha was a clinical psychologist and behavioural therapist, but ME has left her completely bedridden in a darkened care home. Even so, she continues to advocate tirelessly as co-founder and board member of 12ME, a Belgium organisation raising awareness of ME. In earlier years, she painted rock art to help fund research; now, she finds joy in the creativity of others and collaborates with me on the See ME Expo Pinterest board, helping bring together artists from Belgium and beyond.
Out into the World by Dascha
As for me, I'm an Australian illustrator and graphic designer who once lived the dream of illustrating children’s books. That changed when a viral infection left me with ME, an illness I kept quiet about for years. I eventually realised my silence only deepened the invisibility surrounding millions of people with this condition. Since then, I've tried to use my creative skills to make ME more visible.
My first step was illustrating an animation of myself wading through wet cement while tethered to a stubborn elephant, paired with writing about my experiences on my art blog. Later, I designed a logo for the ME Advocacy Network Australia (MEANA). You can view more of my illustrations at amandafrancey.com or to read my articles on Medium.
Elephant and ME by Amanda Francey
This website is my latest project–hosting virtual exhibitions to spread awareness and support fundraising for ME advocacy and research. Behind the scenes, Dascha continues to contribute when her health allows.
Prisoner of ME by Amanda Francey