I'm experimenting with my coloured pencils and my brush markers. Having so much fun now that I realize I can just play and not worry about anything being 'perfect' or 'right' because it's art! I can just play and have fun.
This is so interesting. I keep promising myself I will try crochet. I am a committed knitter, but I think there is something about crochet that may be a little more mindful.
Everyone’s experiences are different of course but one thing I’ve found is that many knitters are able to take crochet “less seriously” so it makes it easier not to worry about mistakes or care about doing complicated patterns and just be in the process.
I suffer from severe arthritis and have had four spinal fusions and a knee replacement in the past few years. I also have an adult son who is autistic. The challenges to create have become pretty overwhelming. What used to bring me so much joy and relaxation now often causes sadness. I used to work in colored pencil and pastels . I also would upcycle and refinish old pieces of furniture or objects that just needed some extra love. I worked for years with my tiny scissors doing decoupage to add to my pieces. It’s practically impossible now to use scissors to cut the fine designs or hold a pencil for any length of time without completely crippling my hands. So, I now use watercolors to create paintings and illustrations. My husband made a special bed/recliner desk for me to work. Sitting for any length of time at my art table in my studio can be quite painful and then add the anxiety of having to leave my work. Now thanks to my homemade bed desk modification and working in watercolor I can now let that love of creating back in my life. The ease of the loose grip on the paint brush and the beautiful act of combining pigment with watercolor and gliding over the paper has put a smile back on my face. I have to live with pain every day but if I can continue my art journey ..well that’s the best medicine for my heart and soul. Sorry this is so long!!!
I am glad you shared your story. I always like learning more from people. If you’re at all interested we could elaborate this into an email interview to share here as a post. No pressure though. While I am sorry to hear about your pain and the adjustments you’ve had to make I do think it’s wonderful you are able to use watercolors in your new setup. Art persists. The setup makes me think immediately of Frida Kahlo.
Hi Kathryn! I’m pretty resourceful when it comes to finding ways around challenges. The hard part comes in when your mind takes over and tries to tell you that things need to change. The one thing I always depended on to keep me happy and focused is having a creative outlet. With the past few years I’ve dealt with some changes. My mom passed away, I had a bad case of COVID, and downsized from the home I grew up in to a coop! Along with my surgeries and my son who is autistic but a gifted writer it’s been hard.
I would be open to an email interview.
Ps..how do I become a paid subscriber? Do I go through the Substack website?
My last few years were really tough as well. I finally feel in the most recent months like I can breathe and create and think semi-clearly again.
Send me an email to Kathryn.vercillo on gmail and I'll get us started!
Thanks for your interest in subscribing. Yes, you should be able to go to my page on the Substack website (https://createmefree.substack.com) and then if you're signed in on the top right you see your own profile photo - click that and go down to "manage subscription" ... let me know if you get stuck. <3 <3
Art can adapt to our individual needs and circumstances, offering solace and a path to self-discovery. It not only provides an outlet for expression but also helps us find strength and joy in the process. It's heartwarming to hear how crochet can be a guiding light in times of darkness for Jane. Thank you for shedding light on the beautiful and complex relationship between art and healing.
I'm experimenting with my coloured pencils and my brush markers. Having so much fun now that I realize I can just play and not worry about anything being 'perfect' or 'right' because it's art! I can just play and have fun.
I love that!!!!
This is so interesting. I keep promising myself I will try crochet. I am a committed knitter, but I think there is something about crochet that may be a little more mindful.
Everyone’s experiences are different of course but one thing I’ve found is that many knitters are able to take crochet “less seriously” so it makes it easier not to worry about mistakes or care about doing complicated patterns and just be in the process.
That makes a lot of sense.
I suffer from severe arthritis and have had four spinal fusions and a knee replacement in the past few years. I also have an adult son who is autistic. The challenges to create have become pretty overwhelming. What used to bring me so much joy and relaxation now often causes sadness. I used to work in colored pencil and pastels . I also would upcycle and refinish old pieces of furniture or objects that just needed some extra love. I worked for years with my tiny scissors doing decoupage to add to my pieces. It’s practically impossible now to use scissors to cut the fine designs or hold a pencil for any length of time without completely crippling my hands. So, I now use watercolors to create paintings and illustrations. My husband made a special bed/recliner desk for me to work. Sitting for any length of time at my art table in my studio can be quite painful and then add the anxiety of having to leave my work. Now thanks to my homemade bed desk modification and working in watercolor I can now let that love of creating back in my life. The ease of the loose grip on the paint brush and the beautiful act of combining pigment with watercolor and gliding over the paper has put a smile back on my face. I have to live with pain every day but if I can continue my art journey ..well that’s the best medicine for my heart and soul. Sorry this is so long!!!
I am glad you shared your story. I always like learning more from people. If you’re at all interested we could elaborate this into an email interview to share here as a post. No pressure though. While I am sorry to hear about your pain and the adjustments you’ve had to make I do think it’s wonderful you are able to use watercolors in your new setup. Art persists. The setup makes me think immediately of Frida Kahlo.
Hi Kathryn! I’m pretty resourceful when it comes to finding ways around challenges. The hard part comes in when your mind takes over and tries to tell you that things need to change. The one thing I always depended on to keep me happy and focused is having a creative outlet. With the past few years I’ve dealt with some changes. My mom passed away, I had a bad case of COVID, and downsized from the home I grew up in to a coop! Along with my surgeries and my son who is autistic but a gifted writer it’s been hard.
I would be open to an email interview.
Ps..how do I become a paid subscriber? Do I go through the Substack website?
I know those conversations with the mind.
My last few years were really tough as well. I finally feel in the most recent months like I can breathe and create and think semi-clearly again.
Send me an email to Kathryn.vercillo on gmail and I'll get us started!
Thanks for your interest in subscribing. Yes, you should be able to go to my page on the Substack website (https://createmefree.substack.com) and then if you're signed in on the top right you see your own profile photo - click that and go down to "manage subscription" ... let me know if you get stuck. <3 <3
And thanks again for sharing your story.
Hi Kathryn! I just wanted to see if you received my email? Have a wonderful weekend!🙂
Yes, I did. I am way behind on my email but I'm working on getting caught up ASAP and looking forward to connecting.
Art can adapt to our individual needs and circumstances, offering solace and a path to self-discovery. It not only provides an outlet for expression but also helps us find strength and joy in the process. It's heartwarming to hear how crochet can be a guiding light in times of darkness for Jane. Thank you for shedding light on the beautiful and complex relationship between art and healing.