We recently connected with Megan Badger and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Megan, thanks for joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

In 2011, I was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a very rare condition in which the immune system attacks the nerves, paralyzing the body. The virus stripped away my ability to walk, feel, and communicate properly. After undergoing a five-day-long plasma exchange followed by six months of multiple therapy programs, I regained my ability to walk and feel pressure/temperature again; however, my face could not keep up with the rest of my body. The recovery process is different for many patients with GBS and my face has taken years to get to the point where it is now. Though I still cannot express *all* the emotions that I would like, there is comfort knowing some people do not recognize the minor paralysis during first encounters.

And, while it is maddening not being able to express my emotions with physical authenticity, it is worse not having a cure– there is so little we know about it. The virus can strike again any day and, with that in mind, I tend to take many chances and risks. We only live once.

Art has always been my passion and escape. It is my diary, coping mechanism, and favorite expression of communication. GBS prompted me with many social obstacles that I was not prepared for and my way of shedding light on unideal situations was through art. Creators have the power to play God and that is how I sought vengeance in the beginning of all this. I could not move my face at all for a long time and people did not know that, which I understood— the problem/anger stemmed from individuals not taking the time to learn.

In 2017-2018, I made drawings that emphasized the fragility of my emotions; creating subjects in a state of disarray and/or making the most of the void they were trapped in. That was the back-and-forth I felt for years and my favorite way of expressing myself without going through the repetitive spiel of how/why/when I ended up where I am today.

Last year, I was asked to submit an application to Soulard Art Gallery as a Resident Artist. They said to provide five samples of my work with a set date/time to meet. And, GEEZ– I was nervous. I had five works prepared that I felt comfortable showing. The collection of drawings from 2017/2018 were not intended to be viewed by public audiences. When the day arrived, I had brought my entire portfolio and pulled the five best pieces that represented my style, attention to detail, and overall subject matter. They loved it and asked to see more– talk about an “oh sh**” moment. I reached into my portfolio and exposed a part of myself that felt more or less broken. It was an emotional risk I felt that I needed to take as a means to grow. The drawings were passed around, positive responses were received, and a giant wave of relief set it– I could do this.

Since then, I continue to share my artwork and perspective of the world while encouraging other artists to do the same. Live your life and exercise its potential.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Megan Badger, a Fantastic Art Illustrator based in Saint Louis, Missouri. After recovering from Guillain-Barré syndrome in 2011 (a very rare condition in which the immune system attacks the nerves, paralyzing the body), I have embraced a different interpretation, and perhaps greater appreciation for life, acknowledging the limited time we have on Earth. When one loses the ability to walk, feel, and communicate clearly– elements so vital to life– the recovery experience is unique while understanding that there is not a cure. Living with that reality, I strive to live life to its fullest and challenge others to do the same through my artwork. It is how I cope with the unpredictability of the world and offer insight resulting from my experiences.

Influenced by Shel Silverstein’s playful illustrations and Albrecht Dürer’s studious attention to detail, I create thought-provoking and mythical-like narratives via stippling, a process that utilizes numerous dots to produce an image, with fine-tip ink pens. This technique does not cease to remind me of patience—a virtue that, over time, has found a place alongside my work. Our time is short; be vulnerable, invite criticism, and, most importantly (as cliché as it may be)—live.

Utilizing significant detail combined with tension in space, I ignite intimate narratives inspired by my candid exchanges with strangers during my travels. Each work reveals a plot without exposing the finale. As such, audiences are more prompted to stop and analyze what is happening. I want viewers to walk away with something—may it be enlightenment or their umpteenth eye-roll for the day.

The subjects in my artwork tend to be isolated while containing tedious detail. While they physically represent that, each design relates to myself and the internal existence of how I feel living in a world where people who are homeless do not get enough attention or care. Communities live without clean water. And the popularity contest of social media overwhelms people and their entire existence.

I graduated with a BS in Studio Art from the University of Southern Indiana, while holding solo and group exhibitions throughout southern Indiana, including The Dapper Pig, the McCutchan Art Center, PG, Penny Lane Coffeehouse, and Sortie. My designs have been featured at the Azarian McCullough Art Gallery in Sparkill, NY, the Mail Art Project (Hope, Faith and Love) by Susanne Schumacher in Hanover, Germany, and in the Saint Louis Art Museum’s Well + Green Newsletter May 2021 edition.

Since moving to Saint Louis five years ago, I had the opportunity to be an international Art Dealer, an English teacher living abroad in Thailand, and now find myself back in the city with a strong ambition to support artists and local businesses to reach their full potential.

In 2022, I completed an eight month residency with Soulard Art Gallery and was the co-curator for the “Art of Darkness” exhibition featuring guest juror and notorious printmaker, Tom Hück. Most recently, my work was on view in Art Saint Louis’s “Art St. Louis XXXVIII, The Exhibition” and the Jacoby Arts Center’s “Phantasmagoria”. Some individuals around the world have my artwork tattooed on them (crazy, right?), and I find that more humbling than any show I have ever been a part of. I appreciate Saint Louis, its art community, and my friends and family for continuously supporting me and this evolving journey.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is having the opportunity to show my artwork and attend galleries where, almost always, other artists are open and willing to exchange thoughts, ideas, and ambitions. I love connecting with other creatives because there is promise in learning something new and, in some cases, helping each other with future projects.

Alright – so here’s a fun one. What do you think about NFTs?

NFTs are a joke. Buy real art from real artists and cut the BS.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mgnbdgr.com/
• Instagram: @mgnbdgr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mgnbdgr/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-badger-26a555242/