I started painting as a form of self-care when I was burnt out during the acute phase of the pandemic. Since art is a passion I've developed as an adult, it's fascinating to consider why it's become so important to me. So, here are the key reasons I keep picking up a paintbrush.
If you meet an Australian, the first question they’ll probably ask you after you tell them your name is, “What do you do?” It’s an easy question to ask and the expected response is simple: tell them what your job is.
When I was growing up, my favourite albums were the ones that came with a booklet of song lyrics. In 2002 I spent hours processing my teenage angst while singing to Avril Lavigne’s debut album, Let Go. Her booklet had lyrics full of slang that made her feel authentic and relatable.
I first picked up a paintbrush as a form of self-care, and it’s something I return to again and again in my practice. When I’m feeling low on energy and need to reconnect with my body, I love to play with colour.
When I worked as a lawyer I tracked my work days in six-minute increments for almost ten years. When I finished work, I had limited energy left, so I put pressure on myself to make my self-care as efficient as possible.
