One in a Million: Chris Maddox

Chris Maddox is both a Caregiver and an Artist. He’s hesitant to label himself as either. Like many guy Caregivers, Chris sees the commitment to caring for his partner as something he doesn’t think twice about. His caregiving journey started in 2018. She was diagnosed with POTS (a chronic auto immune condition that that causes fainting, dizziness and sound sensitivity) that same year. Chris shared that he has to be ready for a horrible day, each day, to care for his partner.  “On the tough days when she’s symptomatic one of the challenges is to recognize the discomfort and to not take it personally.”  

Without a hint of self-pity Chris shared that in 2020 he shut down his gallery and now works in perhaps a less creative role as a commercial artist where he can manage time more efficiently to attend to his partner. “If she would be better and I returned to more conceptual art I think I would be a better person.” His transition has been one of as he puts it from “...pure self to pure other.”  

This Caregiver also understands that carving some time for himself is necessary. In Chris' basement is an elaborate system of synthesizers that serves as a creative outlet for him to act as a "mad scientist". He also "...takes time for himself..." by caring for and walking his two dogs. "Owning my role as a Caregiver has helped me align myself better through my new reality. The ability to name the role has helped me define myself (and own) that it's something (in addition to art) that I'm good at." You can take a look at Chris' art here: https://www.chrismaddox.com/