August 23, 1949 – April 6, 2020
Vincent Buchinsky was a dedicated, passionate supporter of Hidden Truths Project, the Art Of Epilepsy. On April 6, 2020 Vincent’s life was taken away from complications of COVID-19. Not only did the Art of Epilepsy lose an amazing artist, dedicated epilepsy advocate, but personally I lost a dear friend who will be sorrowfully missed. The day prior to his death, I was excited to email Vincent to inform him, which of his new masterpieces were to be showcased in the 2020, 1:26 The Art of Epilepsy exhibit. Little did I know he was extremely ill and would later die from the ravages of COVID-19.
I was first introduced to Vincent and his work through Dr. Steven Schachter, Editor-in-Chief of Epilepsy & Behavior. Vincent’s art was first featured in Visions: Artists Living with Epilepsy 2003. In Visions, he reflected that the basis of his artistic talents were not due to the effects of epilepsy, but epilepsy influences what I express… my inner emotional life.
The seizures cause me to experience changing perceptions and provide the ability to understand existential experiences differently. They provide a comparative reference point that shows me there is more to what I am seeing. At times, I am aware of feeling a void due to seizure activity. This manifests itself in much of my work as a circular space or an overall emptiness.
Vincent was diagnosed with temporal lobe epilepsy in 1996.
Vincent was a contributing artist to Hidden Truths Project’s: The Art of Epilepsy, since its inception in 2012. I had the great fortune of working with Vincent until the time of his death. His work has been showcased annually at our national exhibits, 1:26 The Art of Epilepsy. The popularity of his creative endeavors and caliber of his art led to four permanent installations of his work in radiology imaging centers in southern California. In addition, his art adorns many homes from coast to coast. Although I have a personal sense of loss, more importantly, the world has lost an amazing human being, and a talented, award winning artist and voice for epilepsy.
Time is composed of part of Vincent’s original easel work dating back 46 years, a component of the work is a piano bench that has followed Vincent from there to here and now forever.
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Paul Campagne
June 19, 1970 – October 30, 2019
Paul was a contributing artist to Hidden Truths Project, Hidden Truths, the Mind Unraveled in 2013. On October 30, 2019, his life ended prematurely from Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP).
Summer 2019
Words by Lisa Campagne Winschel, Paul’s sister
Paul lived with intractable epilepsy, diagnosed at 13 years of age. Medications were not effective in controlling his seizures, nor was he an epilepsy surgical candidate. He bravely accepted his diagnosis.
Paul was a “Peaceful Warrior “, an old soul, a deep thinker, and very wise. He had a strong faith and understood the greater purpose. He overcame many adversities with his epilepsy and never complained. He said, “Every setback can only make me stronger. You must count your blessings.”
His mindset was nothing could hold him back and he set out to live life to the fullest. He was a dedicated epilepsy advocate and served on the Board of Directors for the Epilepsy Foundation Hawaii. He cared about family, friends, children, and anyone with disabilities or adversities. He fought for civil rights, social action, education, health & human rights. He was a teacher, a leader, and an inspiration. He was a mentor for children with epilepsy and encouraged them all is possible despite this diagnosis. He felt people should be known for their abilities not their disabilities.
Paul said, “Fear is nothing but excitement in disguise. There is nothing to fear, just do it and never give up.” He wanted to be known as a businessman, a philanthropist and most importantly a good human being.
Paul once told me, “Never expect more than you are willing to give.” Paul gave it his all.
His favorite quotes were, ” Learn something new every day, always pay it forward, and always expect that the best has yet to come!”
Paul told me heroes are a rare breed and if you ever meet one enjoy all they have to offer while it lasts because your time with them will be brief. Little did Paul know, he was the hero and my time with him was brief. He will always be my little brother but he taught me more than he ever knew.
VINCENT & PAUL WILL PERMANENTLY LIVE IN THE HEARTS AND MINDS OF THOSE WHO WERE FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO CROSS THEIR PATHS!
Dr. Julie Thompson-Dobkin
Founder & President: Hidden Truths Project
