My neurologist was surprised that, after two brain lesions, one of which required radiation therapy and the other surgical resection, I had not experienced a seizure since my initial episode (March 2016). Evidently, they spoke too soon. My seizures returned recently, as frightening and debilitating as ever. This collection of sound works & compositions is my attempt to create a sonic depiction of what a seizure feels like to me. That being said, all of my seizures, except one, have been tonic-clonic/grand mal seizures, & I lose consciousness. Before this loss of consciousness takes place, and after it is regained, there is a mixture of overwhelming fear as my mind loops these broken thoughts that disintegrate before I lose consciousness. My mind resets itself upon waking/coming to. In this state, I often don’t recognize the world around me or the people trying to comfort me. Fear is still present but, more so, a feeling of sadness tinged with nostalgia as the world again comes back into focus. The states right before a seizure begins and after it has occurred are inexplicable; I know the emotions I place upon them, but they fall so short of what is actually taking place in my mind. I am still trying to find words to appropriately describe it… I hope these soundscapes and compositions might, somehow, be a sort of substitute for the words that fall so short.
Gin & Tonic-Clonic
Published by Jeremiah Ray
Jeremiah Ray is an interdisciplinary artist and writer. His visual artwork reflects an ongoing journey of exploration. Having traveled extensively during his formative years, he aims to teach others how to discover their unique voices in art, believing that it transcends verbal communication. In 2016, after being diagnosed with advanced testicular cancer, his perspective on art shifted significantly. This experience heightened his awareness of the challenges associated with vulnerability and communication. Guided by these themes, Jeremiah has embarked on a personal journey of healing and self-discovery. View all posts by Jeremiah Ray
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