Drawing Signs, Symptoms, and Complex Health Narratives

Health and illness affect us in ways that are observable and measurable with signs such as skin lesions or altered body temperature. However, illness and health are also accompanied by symptoms: subjective states including anxiety, pain, or cognitive impairment that aren’t easy to objectively measure. Adding to the dynamics of patient care are the conversations between patients and their healthcare providers. Misunderstanding and omitting information can complicate provider/patient relationships, impede care, and make captivating graphic medicine narratives particularly when drawn information conflicts with, or is enhanced by, narrative text.

In this workshop we will examine the ways in which cartoonists draw objective and subjective physical and mental states of being, practice drawing these different states, “diagnose” each other’s drawings, and create graphic medicine images that incorporate the health dynamics of signs, symptoms, emotions, and identity.

Kriota Willberg

Facilitator: Participants with no, any, and all, levels of drawing experience are welcome! There will be a quick tutorial for drawing newbies.

Drawing supplies will be provided.

Wednesday, April 26, 11:00-12:30pm

Science Building, G-19