Lately it is been difficult for me to make any art, let alone to buy into what I've long believed in that art can heal what ails you. Every since my dog died last summer I lost all interest in making anything. I knew that it was a process and stage of my life so I sat by and let it unfold. But the tricky thing is that when you remove something from your life for a brief time, the space once allocated to that activity is quickly replaced by other things.
I want to reclaim my time again. I want to paint. I want to make jewelry. With all the problems I've had with my wrist I may have to seek surgery to really be able to make the jewelry I am interested in making. I love metal work. And with all the cutting and hammering involved it flat out shreds my wrist. But, finally the desire is here again.
And, I am believing in my book all over. I started working on it then just stopped along with all the rest of it. I had gotten into such a hole that I no longer believed that art was going to change anything. If you know me at all you know that I cannot fake it. It just wasn't happening. But, slowly, slowly I am feeling the bubbling of ideas and the excitement to return to a daily process of exploration. I miss painting. I miss mixing colors and unfolding stories on big wooden panels. I really miss working with friends and pushing through road blocks in the process and coming through to the other side. Now to get down to it!
I tell you all this partly because I was very flattered today to be included in an online list of Top 50 Blogs for Learning About Medical Art Therapy. Without a doubt, art was an enormous healing tool for me when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was a powerful method of positive distraction that also allowed me to process the fear, hope, and change that I was experiencing. I NEEDED it and it never let me down. So I am very grateful to be added to this list and to look forward with much hope for continuing my artful journey.
