Self Care Through Art and Nature

Why I create art is a subject I have returned to many times since I started my art journey. Initially my creativity was a way of coping with grief and overwhelm. In time, as I adapted to these things, my reasons for creating shifted. Initially it was as a distraction, something to calm my mind, then it was for the joy it brought me, then I saw it as a connection to the landscape and to people.

Now I am diving deeper:-

Recently I have been determined to really get to the core of what drives my art and what I want others to get from it. It has been an enlightening process.

When I look back over my working life within the caring professions and to the art I have created in recent years I can see clear connections. These are: a focus on the importance of emotional wellbeing, strategies to help us maintain it and taking responsibility as individuals for self care.

To do this it helps:-

• to pause and tap into how we are feeling,
• to become aware what is causing us stress,
• to make changes to our life where necessary to reduce overwhelm
• and to seek help if we need it.

Research shows that people who are more connected with nature are usually happier in life and more likely to report their lives are worthwhile. Nature can generate many positive reactions, such as calmness, joy and creativity.

To make my art I initially spend a lot of time out in nature, soaking up its calming, healing effects. The emotions and positive well-being I experience are the key inspiration for my art. I draw on these feelings when back in the studio. My hope is that the viewer will be reminded of the healing power of nature and the importance of taking some time for themselves.

Not everyone is able to get out into the landscape on a regular basis. One of the key messages from research relating to this is a need to shift our attention from getting people to visit natural, and sometimes remote spaces, to a focus on how people can tune in and connect with "everyday" nature close to home through simple activities. One of these could be to have a nature inspired piece of art on your wall that you feel calmed by and connected to. It will also serve as a reminder to you to pause, take a deep breath and a little time for yourself.

I will leave you with a gentle encouragement to either get out in nature within the next week or create a moment of calm for yourself in your home.