At Art Shed, we believe that art is more than just a hobby—it's a powerful way to connect, cope, and express.

This month, we’re shining a spotlight on Polly, a passionate artist whose creativity bloomed in the wake of a life-changing diagnosis: MOGAD (Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody Disorder). Her story is one of resilience, curiosity, and a deep love for colour.

We asked Polly a few questions about her creative journey, and her answers left us inspired. Here’s what she had to share

How has your experience with MOGAD changed the way you approach creativity?

Before MOGAD I was a keen, amateur photographer. I still manage to take a pretty decent photo—I just get a lot of strange looks because it looks odd, me using a cane but still being able to take photos. Most people assume that someone with a cane is completely blind, but this is often not the case. A cane can be needed for different types of vision impairment.

After MOGAD, I became a little lost. I've been left in a great deal of pain and sleep is hard to come by. It was during those long, sleepless nights I stumbled across paint-pouring videos. I found them very soothing and then one day I asked myself, why was I only watching?

You mentioned that watching paint pouring videos became a coping mechanism during tough nights—do you remember the moment you decided to pick up the brush and give it a go yourself?

I had to go to the Reject Shop to buy a birthday card and they had a paint-pouring kit for sale. I took it home and discovered my new passion. One pour and I was hooked! Once I discovered I could pour on vases there was no stopping me.

If someone who also lives with MOGAD wanted to start creating but wasn’t sure where to begin, what advice would you give them?

Step outside your comfort zone and just go for it! If you try it and don't like it, that's fine—you can always try something else. Or you might discover your new passion first try.

What’s something that you’re proud of, that you don’t often get to talk about?

I'm not an official representative of MS Australia, but I love being able to give back to them. Although I don't have MS, MOGAD is one of the neurological disorders they help with.

I saw you mention depth perception in your bio – does that influence how you plan or create your pieces?

With my lack of depth perception, I can't always tell where the paint is going to land. Sometimes it is a success, sometimes I need to start over again, depending on the piece.

Have there been any happy accidents in your work that turned out better than expected?

Part of my MOGAD has resulted in me getting hand spasms—little electric shocks—that run down my arms and into my hands. As a result, I frequently drop or throw things, including paint when I'm painting! It can get very messy, but I've had some beautiful accidents!

What’s your creative process like? Do you prefer to plan it out or jump in and learn as you go?

Most of the time I just jump in and see what the paint does!

Where do you find creative inspiration?

Everywhere there is colour! The way I quickly lost the vision in my left eye has me hyper-aware that I could lose the rest of my sight just as suddenly, so I'm making the most of all the beautiful colours—just in case the day comes when I can't see them anymore.

If your artwork could talk, what would they say about you?

The audacity! You're crazy! Who becomes visually impaired and then decides to become an artist?

What’s a funny or unexpected reaction someone has had to one of your pieces?

It's more where my pieces have ended up. I love hearing feedback from customers. I've had wine glasses sent to Milan, Italy and jewellery sent to Scotland and England.

If you could create a dream project with unlimited resources, what would it be?

I'd love my own art studio/gallery. At the moment, I'm stuck painting under my pergola in the backyard. It's too messy for me to paint inside with my hand spasms, but I struggle outside because I can't control my body temperature—again, thanks to MOGAD. That makes painting outside in summer very tricky. I can only paint first thing in the morning before it gets too hot. If I had my own climate-controlled studio, I could paint whenever I felt like it, which would be amazing. I'd be able to create so much more than I do now.

Polly’s story reminds us that creativity can bloom even in the most unexpected places—and that sometimes, a Reject Shop birthday card run can change your life. Her determination to make art, connect with colour, and give back to her community is truly inspiring.

We’re so proud to feature Polly in our Artist Spotlight. Keep an eye on our socials and blog for more stories like hers—and don’t forget to support your fellow creatives wherever you can.

You can follow more of Polly’s colourful journey and vibrant creations over on her face book page Pieces By Polly For Mogad

Want to learn more or support those living with MOGAD?

Polly has shared some helpful resources from MS Australia below – every click helps spread awareness and understanding.

Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody Disorders (MOGAD)

NMOSD and MOGAD

About MS Australia