Creativity and Me.
A wonderful tool for healing.
Welcome to Denyse Whelan’s Substack.
Creativity And The Role It Plays In My Healing.
Way back in 2013 I came across a wonderful on-line art group from the U.S. and connected with people from a range of creative backgrounds, talents and skills. It was from this, that over, time, my love for (and NEED!) to be creative in challenging times grew and grew.
I love using my creativity in my social media sharing too!
On Calling Myself An Artist.
I am, by formal training, a K-6 teacher. I am, in my heart, an Infants Teacher (K-2) and I loved creating bright and art-filled places in the classrooms where I taught. It became something I enjoyed as a fledgling scrapbooker (filled many an album!) and making photo books with decorations for each of our 8 grandkids over time. I even made HUGE books around the Sydney Olympics memories in 2000 and they are now in the archives of a local public school library.
But was I an artist? Did it matter? In some ways it did, and I grew to apply the label to myself. It also let me know, that perfection is not the outcome, but that the process matters!! Whilst not a huge fan of Julia Cameron’s ‘The Artist’s Way’ this year I bought her book (she has written MANY!) ‘The Daily Artist’s Way: Creative Living Everyday’ because of daily thoughts, prompts and ideas. Her words:
Today I remember that I am creative. It is the process of making art - not the product or the result - that makes me an artist
Quality Products Fuel My Passion To Create.
In the years 2013-2020 of being part of an on-line community, and being socially isolated due to retirement, moving away from Sydney and then getting a cancer diagnosis meant I learned a lot about the value of obtaining the best quality products for my use. OH, yes, it is expensive! However I am no longer frustrated by materials and media that do not work for me.
Healing Help For Me Via Mandalas and More.
I needed distractions for myself when the years 2016 into 2017 took me into deep realms of anxiety, fear about my health, and more, so when I discovered (re-discovered!) how to make a simple mandala using a compass and pencil I was OFF!!!
Loved it, made so many that I gave them away laminated as placemats, or photos in a frame to any kind person who enjoyed them. I created a mandala a day for 365 days.
I also became aware, via some art lessons from a lovely friend (sadly no longer with us) that I had an eye for some details and enjoyed using the ‘right media’ to make that happen.
When I was diagnosed with cancer, a book for art play, along with some fave markers came to hospital with me, and in the latter days of my stay of 9 nights I was able to use that.
Having a Dedicated Space In Which To Create.
This is where I have been spoilt. In the house we had in Sydney I had a place within our outdoors room, and then as we moved house over time, I was able to make spaces in various spare rooms and then this set up back in the rental house in Sydney is the best one I have. The dedicated space lets me have ‘alone’ time with ease, but also connect when someone pops by. I also have my resources near by.
I Have Noticing Eyes!
I really did not understand just how my noticing patterns, shapes, colours and more ‘outside the house’ was part of my creativity till recently during my walks to the trees and within nature.
I NOTICE so much. And within my art practice I enjoy finding small (and big) details as an outlet for my creativity. I’ve been a sand message writer for a long time, and now I enjoy making a mandala when I can from items in nature.
Patterns and Designs Are My Favourites.
Repetition is something I know instinctively is healing. It soothes me and when I may not be feeling wonderfully well, I will find a book and a marker and make patterns. I often choose an item to use in my hands that helps with this. Often it is smoothing paint across a page and then enjoying the process.
This one, took ages, and was very mindful. And I am a FAN of RAINBOWS and their COLOURS!
Discovering Collage Fun.
This year I extended my creative search (thanks Ama$on) and found great books with high enough GSM to take paint and paste along with cut out images. I have a ‘thing’ for higher GSM so items I use don’t bleed through and I have eliminated alcohol based markers because of that.
This new-to-me activity has taken off. I am finding it both fun and mindful.
I am PLAYING with the media. I am CUTTING out pictures. I am ENJOYING the process. I am FINDING it really beneficial for my BUSY mind.
I’ve made many and have almost filled a book…I have placed the images in collages for ease of access.
And I am LOVING the new FUN CREATIONS I am making.
I hope you found my healing ways via creation of interest.
Here’s what I shared last year about my creativity too.
What’s your way to find the creative you to enjoy?
Take care, and thanks for being here.
Denyse x
A very interesting read. You are not
just a gifted artist in your chosen media but a nice writer. Easy and interesting.
That is a very nice space you have for making art, and store your gear!
Art is a fantastic way to relax and soothe the soul. I'm well-known to put too much pressure on myself also with art, but I'm moving away from that and have realised I still have my ways to use art to relieve stress. Particularly going out in nature with the camera and do a proper, undisturbed photoshoot helps me a lot, and likewise music, to sit down and just play tunes without plan or pressure.