Healing tools
ImagineFX is such an awesome resource for artists of all backgrounds. I specifically wanted to share my appreciation of issue 137’s Art Therapy For Artists article and also thank the artists who participated. As a working artist for the past 15 years, I can agree that creativity and imagination are instruments for our selfawareness and healing.
The attached self-portrait was created during a personal crisis that affected both my mental and physical health. At the time I had only my artwork to confide in, and I found myself sending all my questions and sorrow into the work. It’s so easy to drown in productivity and social networking, that we forget to make time for ourselves through our art. Over time, and with each pass of graphite and wash of paint, the answers I needed gently emerged through this self-portrait. Call it a higher power, intuition, or inspiration, but the practice of art-making is like an electric conduit for wisdom and transformation.
I believe my artistry is my truest friend and will take care of me when I take care of it. I encourage those mature artists out there to stop and remember why they love making things. Be sure you haven’t lost that childhood magic in your creative process! It’s never too late to reassess your creativity, and no time will be wasted when the time spent brings you closer to your truest path. Blessings friends. Daniel Lovely, via email Beren replies Many thanks for writing in and sharing that Daniel. Though you’ve clearly had a time of individual struggle, it must be very reassuring for other artists to hear how your art guided you through that period and brought you out the other side seemingly with a renewed appreciation for the skill and process. Good for you. We would love to hear other artists stories on this, so do get in touch.