Ural Executive Becomes Artist After Surviving Clinical Death
Daria Vagina from Revda is 34 years old. She has a rare genetic disease — Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy. Eight years ago, she experienced clinical death. After that, her life changed dramatically.
By education, Dasha is an economist and specialist in government procurement; she built a successful career and worked as a director of a construction firm. But when her heart stopped and then beat again, she left her position and became an artist. She paints mandalas. She is convinced that creativity extends her life.
She Grew Up as a Normal Child
Until age 12, Dasha was considered a completely healthy girl. She was passionate about dancing and soccer. But in her teenage years, physical exertion became difficult for her. Over time, it became hard for her even to climb stairs.
The girl was examined for a long time by doctors from Sverdlovsk and Moscow. Only after two years were they able to diagnose her. Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy is a very rare disease, affecting only 1% of people worldwide. And most often, it is boys. Therefore, Dasha«s case is practically unique.
The disease affects her muscles and causes them to atrophy. Walking, or even getting out of bed, becomes increasingly difficult for her with each passing year.
“Yes, I have constant weakness, I tire quickly, I«m always sick, I»m losing weight. It«s hard for me to walk, sit, or lie down for long periods,” says Daria. “But I»ve stopped going to geneticists. They only say negative things: ‘You have two years left to live. You are dying.’”
Eight years ago, the disease stopped Dasha«s heart — then she survived clinical death. But doctors saved her and installed a pacemaker.
“Everyone asks me what it»s like to survive clinical death. Maybe I saw something or someone told me something. No, there was nothing like that. It was just a void. But after that, the perception of the world changes in a different direction,” says Daria.
Healing Paintings
When Daria got her ‘battery-powered heart’ — as she calls her pacemaker — she left her position as head of a construction company. She could not continue her career due to her health condition.
She became interested in esotericism and painting. The paintings helped her find meaning in her new life.
“I thought about how much time we are allotted, why we live, and what we can leave behind on this earth. Some people, for example, can have children; I can«t have children. What useful thing can I do for people,” says Daria.
To reduce back strain, the artist paints her pictures lying on the floor. One work can take up to several months.
“I have been painting pictures to order for five years. I paint specifically for people; they are designed based on lucky colors, the person«s date of birth, and programmed for their request. For protection of the family, children, family, perhaps financial well-being or love, success, that is, what they want,” says Daria.
The artist completed courses and received a certificate as an art therapist. She puts her whole soul into her creativity. The woman is greatly supported by her mother, who is always by her side, and her brother.
In early November, Daria fulfilled her long-standing dream and opened an exhibition in Yekaterinburg.
“I wanted my paintings to be seen by the world. To show them to everyone,” says Daria.
Daria«s mandalas cost from 5,000 to 10,000 rubles (approximately $50 to $100 at current rates). The money earned from sales she spends on her health. Her disease cannot be cured, but thanks to medications, vitamins, massages, and therapeutic exercises, it is possible to at least slow its progression.
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