Artist Ted Meyer brings three nights of genetics, art, and scars to Indiana University campuses. Since childhood, Mr. Meyer turned to art to help him get through long hospital stays and to express the distress he felt from the constant pain of Gaucher's disease. When medical advances offered Meyer respite from his condition, he kept making art but was unsure of the direction to take. A chance meeting with a woman who had suffered a spinal cord injury led to his new direction: the “Scarred for Life” project.

Mr. Meyer is the Artist in Residence at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine and a curator of the Hoyt Gallery at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. He’s spent over two decades creating a graphic yet beautiful depiction of people’s suddenly altered bodies and the resulting scars in an ever-enlarging collection of artworks entitled “Scarred for Life.” This project continues to grow and now consists of almost 100 artistically enhanced monoprints taken directly from the scarred skin of his subjects. Each image – accompanied by a photographic portrait taken by Ted and a written story by his subject - tells a unique and intriguing story of medical crisis, resilience, and healing.

These experiences begin with hors d'oeuvres and exhibitions consisting of the “Scarred for Life'' project and selections of his favorite work by patients/artists he has exhibited at the Hoyt Gallery.

After the exhibitions, guests are encouraged to join Ted for different sessions each night. Night one is typically about the “Scarred for Life” project. On night two, Mr. Meyer welcomes guests to the stage to begin conversations about their experiences as patients. Other experiences with Ted involve inviting those attending to share their stories with Ted and the audience.

Mr. Meyer offers screen printing when possible for anyone wishing to have their scar memorialized.

Seating for these events is limited, and registration is required. “Voices of Healing: Life Beyond Genetic Disorders” is a presentation of the Indiana University Interprofessional Practice and Education Center. We are always looking for partners who can help us present these experiences.

Voices of Healing Night 1: Scarred for life 3/7/23 - Bloomington

 

Voices of Healing Night 2: Don't be Afraid to Heal 3/8/23 - Bloomington