We are all a Beautiful Mess

A story of survival, one image at a time.
Documenting the triumph of creativity over darkness, this is one woman’s journey to the centre of herself.
Following a diagnosis of muscular dystrophy which left her reevaluating every aspect
of her life, Gems, at the age of twenty-eight found her mental and physical health
inexplicably deteriorating.
The mother of two was left wondering how she was going to confront the radical changes this diagnosis would bring.
A true, ongoing story of immense bravery, this artistic memoir details her journey to
becoming a self-portrait artist on a mission to spread a message.
Documenting the triumph of creativity over darkness, this is one woman’s journey to the centre of herself, where she finds not only inspiration and the strength to flourish, but a new outlet to share her life’s purpose through the power of creativity.

“Jemme MD Art presents an intimate confession of art and prose in We Are All A Beautiful Mess. Capturing the intense pain of a degenerative disease diagnosis, and the crumbling foundation that can cause, this collection of deeply personal essays, poetry, and striking photography is both haunting and hopeful. Simultaneously analyzing her journey through illness and the road to becoming an artist, this results in a stirring memoir of strength, resilience, and unexpected beauty. The dramatic photography speaks for itself, as does the raw poetry, which work exceptionally well together. A physically and emotionally revealing book, We Are All A Beautiful Mess is wholly unique, and a poignant love letter to the body and soul.” SPR

Author Biography

Gems otherwise known as Jemme MD Art is a 37 year old self portrait artist.
Her primary works are fine art nude portraits, her nude work is based around her own documentation of her journey living with a life limiting, disabling, degenerative disease called muscular dystrophy. Alongside depression, anxiety and bipolar type 2.

“Photography, art and writing gives me the space I need to feel freedom and beable to feel no longer confined by my disease. My goal is to help those personally affected by a disability/ chronic illness disease or conditions by using fine art photography to tell a powerful story, to reach out to the viewer, and to raise awareness at the same time.”