Recovery from illness inspires art exhibit

A few months ago, Teresa Flowers wouldn't have been able to climb a step stool and hang photographs from nails. The fact that she can do it today makes her count herself lucky.

Her work will be on display at Artspace Commons Gallery, 824 South 400 West in Salt Lake City. It will hang through Jan. 7. It tells the story of finding love, becoming gravely ill, losing her parents and most importantly, surviving.

A few years ago, Flowers moved to Los Angeles to pursue her lifelong dream of an art career near the ocean. Her mother had died recently, and she was struggling with chronic pain and fatigue.

"I thought I just had chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia," Flowers said. "The warm climate made my body feel better." A few months later, Flowers couldn't get out of bed; her spine continued to collapse in response to any weight. And her body mass was plummeting. Teresa decided to return to her home town, Salt Lake City, and go back to the doctor who knew her history.

"The Mountains vs. the Sea" tells the story of her illness through photographs, books she altered, small sculptures, paintings and drawings. The images are childlike and innocent, but with a closer look the story unfolds. A book she modified about arthritis explains how a lover was lost because she wasn't well enough to go back packing. Images show the many hours she spent with fluid dripping into her arm.

For more information, call 801-403-4315.