Achalasia III, 8.5 x 5 in., intaglio print, 2023
Achalasia II, 14 x 30 in., Oil on panel, 2023
Achalasia, ceramic, hand-building, 13 x 9 x 6.25 in., 2022. Displayed with Jolly Rancher candy.
Achalasia
Translating to "failure to relax", esophageal achalasia is a rare disease where the nerves in the esophagus and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) degenerate, hindering peristalsis and the opening of the LES. Food is not allowed to pass to the stomach, and instead gathers in the esophagus, which dilates over time. Swallowing becomes difficult, then painful, and in some cases, impossible.