In a white and gray piece that pops off a black backdrop, the artist gives us a unique study of a classic drawing subject, the human skeleton. The artist, sixteen year old Abigail Sabin, has us flying into the ribcage of the skeleton from the bottom of the sternum. We are left feeling that we are emerging upward, passing the collar bone and brushing by the jaw bone. It’s a mesmerizing perspective.
Meet Abigail Sabin: Gymnast-Turned-Artist Extraordinaire
While looking up from the bottom of the ribcage is an unusual viewpoint Abigail is an artist for whom seeing the world from unusual vantage points is nothing new. She used to often view her world while soaring overhead. That’s because, from the age of seven, Abigail trained to “fly through the air and stick landings” as a competitive gymnast.
The transformation from gymnast to visual artist began in October of 2019. Abigail was practicing a skill that she had mastered, a round-off back tuck. But for some reason, on that day she says, “I just didn’t nail it.”
Her memory of that practice is spotty. She remembers attempting the skill, and she vividly remembers smacking her head on the gym mat. While Abigail did not lose consciousness, her coaches told her parents she was showing signs of a concussion.
Unfortunately, concussions in gymnastics are not rare. In a 2021 study published in The Journal of Athletic Training, concussions were the most common specific injury reported of the 587 women’s gymnastics injuries reported to the NCAA during the 2014–2015 through 2018–2019 academic years. It’s no wonder that USA Gymnastics has its own concussion protocols in place for its organization
Double Trouble: a Bobble Head Injury and a Brain Stem Injury
Abigail suffered a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), with the majority of the impact occurring at her brain stem. The overall nature of the fall, however also caused her brain to be knocked around inside her skull. Her doctor, concussion specialist and Mid-Atlantic Concussion Alliance Medical Director Vincent Schaller, MD, DABFM, CIC, calls this a “bobble head injury” because of the way the brain bounces around inside her skull as a result of the impact. After watching video of Abigail’s fall, Dr. Schaller determined that much of the impact was concentrated at her brain stem.
Her injury caused a number of symptoms. Immediately Abigail suffered with headaches, balance problems, confusion, memory loss, fatigue as well as insomnia. As time went on she has been diagnosed with a number of other symptoms common to Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS) such as:
- Migraines
- Anxiety and depression
- New onset Attention Deficit Disorder
- Vision problems
Because her concussion symptoms were ongoing, she and her family had to accept that gymnastics would have to be put on hold indefinitely. It was a big change for them all.
Abigail the gymnast was grounded. Abigail the artist would soon emerge.
Post-Concussion Ocular Dysfunctions and the Visual Artist
“It is remarkable that a person who suffered a TBI severe enough to cause ocular dysfunctions can become a such a talented visual artist,” says Dr. Schaller. “But here Abby is, creating this amazing art.”
The inspiration that burns inside of Abigail is simply unstoppable. Despite the obstacles her PCS presented in her athletic passion of gymnastics, she is continuously creating and expressing herself through art. “I’ve always loved art class,” she explains. “My injury gave me time to explore my talent and my passion.”
More About Abigail’s Art
Abigail knows her art has been integral to her concussion recovery. “It relaxes me, especially when I am overwhelmed trying to make sense of my feelings, and emotions,” she says. What’s more, she is enjoying the artistic journey she is now on. “I have found new passions,” Abigail explains, “it is helping to mold me into someone new—and so far, I like her.”
Abigail draws inspiration from expressionist artists like Vincent Van Gogh’s Almond Blossoms and Edvard Munch’s Sun. In the same way Munch’s Sun bursts off the canvas in bright colors that stun and thrill the viewer, Abigail has indulged in a colorful palette of deep bright colors to paint a ship sailing through space. This is not a cold black space but a warm colorful neighborhood of planets, and a sun that reaches out to warm them. The spaceship is shown in playful colors to show the viewer that soaring through space is fun.
Abigail’s Post-Concussion Recovery Journey
Today, despite her great progress, Abigail is still working hard toward her post-concussion recovery. She has not had a headache-free day since October 2019, and other PCS symptoms still need management. She has worked diligently with a chiropractor, an ocular therapist as well as Dr. Schaller. This past spring, she began to incorporate balance therapy into her program. Her double vision has improved a lot recently, and her tolerance of light and noise have improved too. However, she still wears sunglasses most of the time and uses special earplugs in noisy environments.
Abigail’s mother Danielle Sabin has watched her 16-year-old daughter first overcome gravity, and then overcome adversity. “Abigail is wise beyond her years,” Danielle tells us. Today, Abigail is still fighting against a TBI that brought on light and sound sensitivity, ocular dysfunction, insomnia and depression, and yet she has found a way to soar academically, work hard each day on her recovery and emerge as a gifted artist. “Abigail is remarkable,” her mom tells us. “She is my hero.”
Words to Other Concussion and TBI Patients, From One of Their Own
Because she has been in their shoes and is a fellow traveler down the post-concussion recovery road herself, Abigail has a message to other TBI patients about to embark on their own post-TBI journey:
I hope that you will fight hard and do whatever you need to do to get better, and get your life back too. It isn’t easy, but it is worth it so please don’t give up!
IMAGES: Danielle Sabin
