I was in quarantine for a year when I was 6 years old recovering from having a lung removed, and art was my companion.
That was 1955, and tuberculosis was rampant in the coal mining camps of Virginia. 1 in 4 people had TB and my folks had no money for the sanatorium, so I begged my Dad if I could have access to his Art Instruction box that hid under their bed.
He had drawn a picture and submitted it through a newspaper ad, and was told he was very good but he needed supplies. So Mom saved up and bought Dad the Art Instruction course that came with a drafting board, T-square, triangle, few, thin books and paper.
That was the way to get into people's minds in those days.
OMG what a difficult experience to go through so young. Art offers such safety and salvation in our time of need.
I love the way your parents worked together to get your dad his art instruction box and materials. You have so many fascinating life experiences Donna 🙌🔥
Thanks for reading and your kind words @Veronica. It's been a tough few years but opening up and saying the quiet bit out loud has been less scary than I thought. We all feel better when we share
Hey Sab, just reading your article calmed me. Thank you.
I’m touched by your story and intrigued by art therapy. I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder in 2020 and never entirely recovered - the world still feels unsafe. Your approach seems fit and perhaps could help me. I also am aware of inner contradictions between my conscious desires (“of course, I want to find a life partner and get married!”) and my subconscious (“are you sure? I see us more like the badass single woman supporting younger women!”). It seems like your coaching modality also helps with that?
Oof my dear Issa I get this inner conflict. I had anxiety for such a long time and it's unsettling when you're trying to make sense of it to move forward.
It's about the deeper sense of safety and reducing your threat perception.
I find art-based modalities so valuable for that, as its an embodied approach so you can express sensations.
Plus you express what you might not have the words for yet.
There's some great research in use of art in helping with PTSD and other trauma-related issues.
It's why I'm so keen to incorporate it into my practise. Happy to chat more with you about how it might help
Thank you SO much for sharing this! Writing personally for me has done WONDERS for my ability to process my emotions, and art-based coaching sounds like such a cathartic way to regulate the nervous system. And thank you for sharing your vulnerability about the way art has helped you grieve <3 I might could attend your masterclass but, it's 3am in Thailand so, I'll have to set an alarm to see!
Thanks for sharing Christina, and 100% agree about how it helps self-regulate and make sense of those deeper emotional curiosities. Every time, I discover something new or express what doesn't make sense to me. It always helps.
Oof 3am is very early! Please prioritise your sleep but I'll look to add other timezone friendly sessions after this one.
Writing really heals the soul! I just wrote a piece about my struggles to understand my mother language and honestly I found beauty in a place where I hold a lot of shame. I always somehow find a happy ending in my words. I look forward to seeing other sessions!
This quote really struck a chord with me: 'Art allows us to bypass the analytical mind and access the unconscious, where the root causes of our challenges often lie.' This resonated so deeply with me. I've always found solace in art, especially during challenging times. It's like a secret language for the soul, allowing us to express what words cannot.
It's a really cool new part of research Angela, especially in the neuroarts or neuroaesthetics space. Putting more focus on these experiences and how they improve our overall wellbeing. Hope you can join us!
Thanks Therese! Quick clarification since I'm a nerd- I'm a neuroscientist vs neurologist - the latter goes to medical school. I studied the brain and nervous system but not in a medical setting.
So glad you liked the art- I'm having fun with watercolours after avoiding them for decades. I just needed to learn how to use them and still experimenting.
I know you're having health issues so any activities that help make such a difference 💜🙌
Sorry, I'm a duffer sometimes. I saw a neurologist, a top brain and NON-INVASIVE/ROBOTICS back surgeon in Sydney, as he has family in a nearby city to me. I got the neuroscientist mixed up with him. Honestly, when I made the appointment, I thought he was an orthopedic surgeon. Then I was referred to another profession I've never heard of, a rheumatologist. I had no idea what he was either. He said I def have Fibromyalgia, a bastard because it's incurable. A disease I've asked 2 pain specialists if I had before, and they both said a resounding no. So, I'm struggling with that and what is commonly known by the delightful term known as 'fibro fog'. I'm sure anyone who could mix the neuros as I did must have it. Would love to join your art class tomorrow for me. So is BST British time, or are you not there now? Just wanted to see if I could get the class at a reasonable time in Australia, before I commit to it. I have a neat little water color palette I can dig out for it. I also found some tiny paint sponges the other day.
I always look forward to reading your articles. I will have one of my sons read this tomorrow when he stops by for a visit. Absolutely stunning artwork ❤️Do you like to use watercolor, mixed media, oils?
I have one I love it’s by Schminke Aqua Bronze and Pearl Ex are nice as well. I use the Aqua Bronze the most. Sometimes I use some PH Martins Hydrus liquid watercolor and use a dropper straight on dampened watercolor paper and sprinkle the powder on and turn the paper to make lots of interesting patterns. Schminke also has the super granulated watercolors that are amazing!!! I love interesting paper ephemera as well. We have a vintage second hand shop near our house that I buy old sheet music and scraps of vintage wrapping paper and wallpaper for decoupage and scrapbook collage. Art supplies can be very collectible that’s for sure!
This sounds awesome Laura. Drop your images in the chat if you can - would love to see the effects you get through this process and with these materials.
I got some metallic watercolours but they are not great. Looking for something with more intensity. Plus on vintage paper - brilliant!
I used to use acrylics but have loved watercolor since way back before high school. Over the years I’ve tried mixed media, decoupage, colored pencil and gouache. I like gouache on top of watercolor because it works nicely to build up texture but at the same time flows like a watercolor. I love sprinkling in shimmering pigment powders at the moment!
Now we're talking Laura!! OK shimmering pigment is on my list! I love collage too - I found these old style scrapbook papers and they are great to use. Kinda like Elizabethan prints and Arts and Crafts. They are fun to experiment with. I used to do gouache a lot after school but switched to acrylics. I have a tonne of stuff now for arty sessions but you can never have enough!
Thank you Laura - love that you want to share this with your son. I used to focus on acrylics on canvas but took up watercolour last year for my art-journalling. I had avoided it because it was so different to thicker media, but I really enjoy the speed and lack of control now. It's great for emotional expression for those reasons. Do you have any materials you're exploring?
I am very interested in your masterclass Sabrina, though not sure if it is right for me. I have a debilitating chronic illness that has kept me from my creative life for many years. Yet creating is what feeds my soul and I desperately miss it. I just don’t know if I have the capacity to do anything creative right now but am wondering if working with a therapist and community in a class situation would make any difference. I assume you’ll probably say I should give it a chance which I may do, but don’t want it to turn into yet another thing that proves to be too much for me. Thoughts?
Thanks for sharing Diane, and it's so tough when health blocks our creative expression and outlet. I've had periods like this myself so I really feel for you.
I wonder if you're putting too much pressure on yourself. You can create whatever feels suitable for you in the moment. Even if it's a dot on a page. That's still mark-making that means something. I've done art exercises where we draw around our hand and go from there.
I'd love for you to join us and explore what you need in the moment. That's the beauty of this approach - it's for you and where you are now. Happy to jump on a quick call if you'd like to work it through x
Sabrina, your writing is so beautiful and vulnerable, I really enjoyed reading this. Made me think that maybe words are not my only option when it comes to a creative outlet something to explore.
Cathy, I appreciate your words so much! There's more research coming out about creative outlets and how they help - art is my focus area, but music, dance etc also give us valuable opportunities to make sense of what's going on.
Sorry, I had the date wrong for your art-based workshop Oct 11. I had put it on Oct 10. Are we having two? 😁
Will line up the rest of them soon 💜🎨
Loved how you mentioned the holistic approach to healng includes art, Sabrina, because it works!
Love reading about your journey, Sabrina!
I was in quarantine for a year when I was 6 years old recovering from having a lung removed, and art was my companion.
That was 1955, and tuberculosis was rampant in the coal mining camps of Virginia. 1 in 4 people had TB and my folks had no money for the sanatorium, so I begged my Dad if I could have access to his Art Instruction box that hid under their bed.
He had drawn a picture and submitted it through a newspaper ad, and was told he was very good but he needed supplies. So Mom saved up and bought Dad the Art Instruction course that came with a drafting board, T-square, triangle, few, thin books and paper.
That was the way to get into people's minds in those days.
OMG what a difficult experience to go through so young. Art offers such safety and salvation in our time of need.
I love the way your parents worked together to get your dad his art instruction box and materials. You have so many fascinating life experiences Donna 🙌🔥
Funny thing is, Sabrina, it was never difficult for me. The meds I tooked sucked, but I had so much fun drawing the same thing over and over again.
I LOVE your vulnerability here and how you are connecting your story with your readers and your credibility. It's a great way to connect the dots.
It's beautiful how you use the power of art to reframe situations and be in control.
Thanks for reading and your kind words @Veronica. It's been a tough few years but opening up and saying the quiet bit out loud has been less scary than I thought. We all feel better when we share
Hey Sab, just reading your article calmed me. Thank you.
I’m touched by your story and intrigued by art therapy. I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder in 2020 and never entirely recovered - the world still feels unsafe. Your approach seems fit and perhaps could help me. I also am aware of inner contradictions between my conscious desires (“of course, I want to find a life partner and get married!”) and my subconscious (“are you sure? I see us more like the badass single woman supporting younger women!”). It seems like your coaching modality also helps with that?
I’m intrigued!
Oof my dear Issa I get this inner conflict. I had anxiety for such a long time and it's unsettling when you're trying to make sense of it to move forward.
It's about the deeper sense of safety and reducing your threat perception.
I find art-based modalities so valuable for that, as its an embodied approach so you can express sensations.
Plus you express what you might not have the words for yet.
There's some great research in use of art in helping with PTSD and other trauma-related issues.
It's why I'm so keen to incorporate it into my practise. Happy to chat more with you about how it might help
Great article Sabrina. What art materials would we need to join the masterclass?
Thanks Wendy. No restrictions on art materials. I'll share more on this shortly but use whatever you're comfortable with.
You can even use some magazines to flick through or online pictures.
The image might resonate with you and that's where to dive deeper.
Or if you have loads of materials, go for it!
Thank you SO much for sharing this! Writing personally for me has done WONDERS for my ability to process my emotions, and art-based coaching sounds like such a cathartic way to regulate the nervous system. And thank you for sharing your vulnerability about the way art has helped you grieve <3 I might could attend your masterclass but, it's 3am in Thailand so, I'll have to set an alarm to see!
Thanks for sharing Christina, and 100% agree about how it helps self-regulate and make sense of those deeper emotional curiosities. Every time, I discover something new or express what doesn't make sense to me. It always helps.
Oof 3am is very early! Please prioritise your sleep but I'll look to add other timezone friendly sessions after this one.
Appreciate your support 💜
Writing really heals the soul! I just wrote a piece about my struggles to understand my mother language and honestly I found beauty in a place where I hold a lot of shame. I always somehow find a happy ending in my words. I look forward to seeing other sessions!
That’s a powerful article to write Christina. Shame holds us back and down so much if we let it.
It sounds like you got some peace from writing it though - shows the impact creative expression has on even the toughest parts of our experience.
This quote really struck a chord with me: 'Art allows us to bypass the analytical mind and access the unconscious, where the root causes of our challenges often lie.' This resonated so deeply with me. I've always found solace in art, especially during challenging times. It's like a secret language for the soul, allowing us to express what words cannot.
Thanks Alexander, what a beautiful way to explain how that works for you. That's exactly it. I find the art coaching goes deeper quicker.
There's something about cutting through the analysis and categorising our brain does initially to explore an issue deeply.
The analysis and solution part is needed to create a plan or next steps, but can get in the way at the start. Both work together.
Love this. I find art fascinating and to see that it helps mental health is amazing.
It's a really cool new part of research Angela, especially in the neuroarts or neuroaesthetics space. Putting more focus on these experiences and how they improve our overall wellbeing. Hope you can join us!
With all those tricky feelings and sticky thoughts, I'm so glad art pulled you through.
I didn't know you were a neurologist. I'm stunned. You are full of surprises.
Your water color opener bleeding shades into one another is exquisite.
Love your work, the painting and the writing are both fine arts.
I am so glad art based therapy got you through your grief.
I'm practicing MDMR in the shower every morning.
It seemed kooky at first, but it helps me a little bit.
Well done you, you're a survivor, and a wonder.
Thanks Therese! Quick clarification since I'm a nerd- I'm a neuroscientist vs neurologist - the latter goes to medical school. I studied the brain and nervous system but not in a medical setting.
So glad you liked the art- I'm having fun with watercolours after avoiding them for decades. I just needed to learn how to use them and still experimenting.
I know you're having health issues so any activities that help make such a difference 💜🙌
Sorry, I'm a duffer sometimes. I saw a neurologist, a top brain and NON-INVASIVE/ROBOTICS back surgeon in Sydney, as he has family in a nearby city to me. I got the neuroscientist mixed up with him. Honestly, when I made the appointment, I thought he was an orthopedic surgeon. Then I was referred to another profession I've never heard of, a rheumatologist. I had no idea what he was either. He said I def have Fibromyalgia, a bastard because it's incurable. A disease I've asked 2 pain specialists if I had before, and they both said a resounding no. So, I'm struggling with that and what is commonly known by the delightful term known as 'fibro fog'. I'm sure anyone who could mix the neuros as I did must have it. Would love to join your art class tomorrow for me. So is BST British time, or are you not there now? Just wanted to see if I could get the class at a reasonable time in Australia, before I commit to it. I have a neat little water color palette I can dig out for it. I also found some tiny paint sponges the other day.
It’s a common one Lady T!
Hope you’re getting some treatment ideas.
I always look forward to reading your articles. I will have one of my sons read this tomorrow when he stops by for a visit. Absolutely stunning artwork ❤️Do you like to use watercolor, mixed media, oils?
I have one I love it’s by Schminke Aqua Bronze and Pearl Ex are nice as well. I use the Aqua Bronze the most. Sometimes I use some PH Martins Hydrus liquid watercolor and use a dropper straight on dampened watercolor paper and sprinkle the powder on and turn the paper to make lots of interesting patterns. Schminke also has the super granulated watercolors that are amazing!!! I love interesting paper ephemera as well. We have a vintage second hand shop near our house that I buy old sheet music and scraps of vintage wrapping paper and wallpaper for decoupage and scrapbook collage. Art supplies can be very collectible that’s for sure!
This sounds awesome Laura. Drop your images in the chat if you can - would love to see the effects you get through this process and with these materials.
I got some metallic watercolours but they are not great. Looking for something with more intensity. Plus on vintage paper - brilliant!
I used to use acrylics but have loved watercolor since way back before high school. Over the years I’ve tried mixed media, decoupage, colored pencil and gouache. I like gouache on top of watercolor because it works nicely to build up texture but at the same time flows like a watercolor. I love sprinkling in shimmering pigment powders at the moment!
Now we're talking Laura!! OK shimmering pigment is on my list! I love collage too - I found these old style scrapbook papers and they are great to use. Kinda like Elizabethan prints and Arts and Crafts. They are fun to experiment with. I used to do gouache a lot after school but switched to acrylics. I have a tonne of stuff now for arty sessions but you can never have enough!
Thank you Laura - love that you want to share this with your son. I used to focus on acrylics on canvas but took up watercolour last year for my art-journalling. I had avoided it because it was so different to thicker media, but I really enjoy the speed and lack of control now. It's great for emotional expression for those reasons. Do you have any materials you're exploring?
I am very interested in your masterclass Sabrina, though not sure if it is right for me. I have a debilitating chronic illness that has kept me from my creative life for many years. Yet creating is what feeds my soul and I desperately miss it. I just don’t know if I have the capacity to do anything creative right now but am wondering if working with a therapist and community in a class situation would make any difference. I assume you’ll probably say I should give it a chance which I may do, but don’t want it to turn into yet another thing that proves to be too much for me. Thoughts?
Thanks for sharing Diane, and it's so tough when health blocks our creative expression and outlet. I've had periods like this myself so I really feel for you.
I wonder if you're putting too much pressure on yourself. You can create whatever feels suitable for you in the moment. Even if it's a dot on a page. That's still mark-making that means something. I've done art exercises where we draw around our hand and go from there.
I'd love for you to join us and explore what you need in the moment. That's the beauty of this approach - it's for you and where you are now. Happy to jump on a quick call if you'd like to work it through x
Thank you Sabrina. I hope to be able to try the class. And I may take you up on giving you a quick call at some point. Very kind of you.💜
Hope to see you there Diane! Will be great if you can join us 💜
Sabrina, your writing is so beautiful and vulnerable, I really enjoyed reading this. Made me think that maybe words are not my only option when it comes to a creative outlet something to explore.
Cathy, I appreciate your words so much! There's more research coming out about creative outlets and how they help - art is my focus area, but music, dance etc also give us valuable opportunities to make sense of what's going on.