Alison Fortney - Grape Hyacinths

Type of Media
Photography/Digital Art

Artist Statement
I started experimenting with photography when I was in college, and have enjoyed working with it ever since. I love using my camera to capture the beauty around me as I explore my surroundings.

I enjoy working with photography because it allows me to see things differently. With the aid of my camera, I am able to create beautiful, visually captivating images. I especially love exploring nature and capturing its wonder.

While dealing with vision loss has been a challenge, it hasn’t stopped me from doing what I love. I have graduated with an Associate’s degree in graphic design and a second in Visual Communications.

Bio
My name is Alison Fortney and I was diagnosed with a Craniopharyngioma at the age of five in July 1992. After two operations and six weeks of radiation, the cancer was gone but my life had been changed forever.

The tumor was located where my pituitary and left optic nerve intersected. Not only did my tumor cause vision loss in my left eye, but my pituitary had to be removed completely. I was diagnosed with panhypopituitarism and as a result am on multiple medications for life.

Growing up was no easy task, and things became especially difficult after I turned 21. At this time, I was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, which is a genetic degenerative eye disease. As a result, I have suffered vision loss resulting in limited central vision.