'Life with Endometriosis' photoart book launch

See what endometriosis feels like; brutal, debilitating: images and quotes from real people with endometriosis, and useful facts and links.

About this event

What is endometriosis? https://www.endometriosisaustralia.org/about-endo

Margaret Kalms' art expresses what endometriosis feels like: the authenticity of lived experiences and the personal truth of those living with endometriosis. Her art turns vague feelings into clear visual messages. She does not have endometriosis, so she pairs her photoart with quotes from people who do have endometriosis. 'Life with Endometriosis' photos are exciting, confronting, expressive and beautiful. This book facilitates conversations and helps inform friends and family about the impacts of endometriosis.

This book is small enough for most handbags, therefore being both portable and discrete. The photo imagery is interesting enough to show to ordinary people to communicate about the symptoms and impacts of endometriosis - a way to explain to work mates or managers, friends and family, medical professionals and people not usually interested in women’s health.

We are meeting at Hygge House at Terroux, a delightful rural retreat near Hall, NSW, near Canberra. There is a huge picture window looking towards the Brindabellas and pleanty of space to walk outside if the weather is fine.

Rural venue: 88 Rochford Road, Wallaroo, NSW https://terroux.com.au/stay-at-our-hygge-house/

Each ticket includes:

• 1 copy of 'Life with Endometriosis',

• 3 guest speakers and

• refreshments with a variety of teas and coffe, cakes and nibbles made locally.

Guest speakers:

• Dr Uche A Menakaya, Obstetrician, Gynecologist, Sonologist and Laparoscopic Surgeon, Canberra, https://www.junicimaging.com.au/dr-uche-menakaya/

• Melissa Parker RN RM MPhil, Endometriosis Coordinator and Researcher, Canberra Endometriosis Centre, https://menstruationmatters.com.au/our-team/

• Jess McGowan, coordinator for local support group, QENDO. Jess has suffered from endo symptoms since she was 13 (so 23 years now). She has been part of the Canberra endometriosis support group for about 9 years. She is one of the admins of the Canberra QENDO Facebook group, and she is the coordinator of the in person support gatherings & other events.

• Susanne Ilschner, with a broad background in art, music, medical science and clinical work, Susanne Ilschner has been focussing on endometriosis in recent years. She has investigated communication about the “hidden” symptoms, in particular: pain, and its associated problems in private as well as social domains. Over the next two years, she is planning to organise a project focussing on endometriosis-related communication through purely visual means, aiming to connect motion, emotion and perception. Also a "cutting edge” lab investigation is planned to throw more light onto the disease development in the setting of a cooperation with a German and Melbourne institute.

Money raised after expenses will be shared between Canberra Endometriosis Centre and the local endometriosis support group, QENDO.

A book review by Brian Rope, a Canberra photographer:

https://ccc-canberracriticscircle.blogspot.com/2022/02/life-with-endometriosis.html

Margaret Kalms: Artist statement and biography:

Margaret Kalms studied photography at Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT), Australia, gaining studio and technical skills. She continues to develop her photoshop skills into less literal forms through online courses including Photoshop Artistry and Awake run by Sebastian Michaels.

Margaret’s photoart has been used in online articles, function presentations and is regularly published in “Artists Down Under” magazine. https://issuu.com/search?q=artists%20down%20under

Margaret explores general art themes by participating in exhibitions in group shows with Marsden Art Group and Belconnen Artist’s Network and in Canberra, Australia and international online exhibitions (between 5-10 times a year). These are themed and challenge her to explore diverse art subjects.

Margaret’s major project ‘Life with Endometriosis’ is imaging how Endometriosis impacts on people to help raise awareness of the severe impacts of Endometriosis.

Margaret Kalms has exhibited in local and international shows:

• SeeMe at The Louvre in Paris,

• “Our Bodies, Our Blood” in Canada,

• “One Self” and “The Healing Power of Art” in New York.

• Women’s Centre for Health Matters in Canberra,

• Endometriosis UK in Manchester,

• 13th World Congress on Endometriosis in Vancouver her “Faces of Endometriosis” presentation was shown at the opening.

• 7 photos for 'Evidently Cochrane' https://evidentlycochrane.net/?s=endometriosis

See her art: http://www.endowomanart.com

Follow ‘Life with Endometriosis’ project: https://www.facebook.com/LifeWithEndometriosis/ https://www.instagram.com/endowomanart/