Mica Still's health declined in May 2017. She is now trying to raise chronic illness awareness.

A Wellington artist known for her striking murals has been forced to give up her work as she struggles to use her arms.

Mica Still has spent seven years brightening up the capital's streets with murals "synonymous with bright colours, animal imagery, and rich story-telling", but has been forced to stop due to ongoing health issues.

Now she's striving to raise awareness after she was diagnosed with Mal de Debarquement Syndrome, which causes a rocking or swaying sensation and later Sjogren Syndrome, an immune system disorder which effects saliva and tear glands.

SUPPLIED Mica Still's artwork depicting her experience with Sjogren Syndrome.

Weakness in her arms and nerve pain meant she had to give up the murals, something she said was "heart-breaking". "I have a tremor now."

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Aro Valley's The Year of the Woman mural was Still's last. "I got really sick in May 2017 and just never recovered. It's pretty bleak at the moment."

SUPPLIED A Mica Still artwork.

Still said her energy levels had depleted so much she couldn't stand for longer than seven minutes.

Since she was forced to stop making large works she has been creating small paintings and digital works.

A digital series called Hope Seeker narrates her experiences with Sjogren syndrome. "I painted and drew my symptoms and the emotions, like loneliness," Still said.

SUPPLIED One of Mica Still's murals.

People with chronic illnesses can become quite isolated, she added. Still said she wanted others to know they were not alone when it came to coping with chronic illness.

It's hoped specialist appointments, medical tests and support will help Still get back to painting her murals. She hoped to gain some more answers in coming weeks.

"We're not quite sure exactly what's going on with me."

SUPPLIED Mica Still has stopped painting her much-loved Wellington murals due to ongoing health issues.

Still has participated in festivals across New Zealand and mentored Wellington artists - with her work included in last year's Wellington Advent Calendar and featuring in Black Dog Brewery's Cuba St bar.

Still has also been known to donate her artwork to help raise funds, including a charity function for Vanuatu aid in 2015.