A MORNINGTON Peninsula artist is unique in that no one else in the world has presented with the same genetic sequence.
Brodie Alserda, 27, was born with a chromosome deletion disorder which was not diagnosed until she was 19.
A genetic screening identified the abnormalities. These screens are maintained in a global database and no one else in the world has presented with the same genetic sequence she has.
Now Alserda is holding an exhibition of her work at the invitation of Mount Eliza chiropractor Dr Kim Furness, of Lotus Chiropractic.
Dr Furness has been seeing Alserda for 10 years and providers chiropractic treatment weekly.
The exhibition runs until September.
Ken McBride, the partner of Alserda’s mother, said that by last week Alserda had sold six of her limited edition prints.
Alserda, who he said was bullied at school, has a form of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) suspected as being the catalyst for pseudo seizures caused by sensory overload resulting in her having five to 40 blackouts a day.
“The triggers for these episodes are numerous but primarily pain, a loud noise, flashing lights, an odour or even happiness,” Mr McBride said.
“Her connective tissue condition led to surgery to secure tendons in one hip and both knees. She also suffers from frequent subluxation (partial dislocation) of both shoulders.”
Despite her health problems, Alserda is said to be an accomplished clarinet player, and “well read on a range of topics”.
In 2018, with her health deteriorating, she underwent a year-long course of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) which “turned her life around, clearing her mind of clutter: noises, psychosis and hallucinations”, Mr McBride said.
“Brodie has been a talented artist from her early years and, despite not being able to do all the things her peers could do, her art was where she excelled.”
“She bounced back well from this until some stressful situations escalated her anxiety and led to more ECT in early 2021. She has responded very well and has become prolific in her artwork, leading to this exhibition.”
Mr McBride said Alserda loved animals and regularly used them as inspiration. She converts a photograph into her signature style of Zentangle [self-help art therapy] black and white line drawing, or full colour artwork where she uses markers.
Framed prints can be ordered from the Lotus reception staff.
First published in the Mornington News – 27 July 2021
