Koans- My Story Of Anorexia
KOANS is the story of Janet Gilmore's six decade struggle with anorexia/bulimia as told through her essay and "mood" poetry that she used to express her state of being and yearning for health and peace. Her son arranged and edited KOANS from Janet's poetry, letters, and journaling and at 15-years old, Janet's granddaughter was moved to create illustrations to poems that particularly spoke to her. Janet's writings about her lifelong struggle with anorexia from the 1940's through her loss with this battle in 2002 represents an incredibly raw and sincere look at an individual's experience with an eating disorder. It is our hope that by sharing these poems and illustrations, Janet's expression may provide some insight, empathy and understanding for those suffering from an eating disorder.
KOANS is the story of Janet Gilmore's six decade struggle with anorexia/bulimia as told through her essay and "mood" poetry that she used to express her state of being and yearning for health and peace. Her son arranged and edited KOANS from Janet's poetry, letters, and journaling and at 15-years old, Janet's granddaughter was moved to create illustrations to poems that particularly spoke to her.
Janet's writings about her lifelong struggle with anorexia from the 1940's through her loss with this battle in 2002 represents an incredibly raw and sincere look at an individual's experience with an eating disorder. It is our hope that by sharing these poems and illustrations, Janet's expression may provide some insight, empathy and understanding for those suffering from an eating disorder.
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
who is an avid and talented young artist, began
painting a watercolor for each of the poems as an
interpretation of her grandmother’s expression.
It’s been an amazing connection between a
grandmother and granddaughter who had only met
once and is the inspiration for this project. From
her found poetry and writings she has left a gift of
her expression, allowing a glimpse from the inside
out into a lifetime battle with an eating disorder.
It is Emma’s and my hope that by sharing
these poems and illustrations, my mother’s
expression may provide some insight, empathy
and understanding for those suffering from an
eating disorder.
Brian Gilmore arranged and edited this book
from the collection of his mother’s poetry, letters,
and journal. Brian lives in Bellingham, WA with his
family. He is a school counselor and filmmaker.
16