POST-TRAUMATIC GROWTH: Improving one’s sense of wellbeing using art, creative writing, photography and blogging – my journey written by ©Karen Robinson. Please click here for my latest blog news!
Abstract Painter Karen Robinson, that being me, painting in my Home Studio. I am working on Painting No. 64 which I Titled ‘For One’s Well-being’. This painting I started in late 2015 and completed in February 2016. Acrylic on Canvas 90cms x 90cms. NB All images are copyright protected by law!
About Abstract Painting Portfolio 2016 – Painting No. 64
My art therapy journey has been about being able to find meaning and purpose in everyday life. Much of my earlier art work has been about very personal feelings, emotions and thoughts – about loss and grief. But slowly and surely, art has brought me to a place where I look for joy in each and every day!
Painting No. 64 – Title “For One’s Well-being”
Abstract Painting No. 64 – ‘For One’s Well-being’ Acrylic on Canvas – 90cms Length x 90cms Wide x 3cms Deep by Abstract Artist Karen Robinson Feb 2016 NB All images are protected by copyright laws!
- Acrylic on Canvas
- February 2016
- 90cms Length x 90cms Wide x 3cms Deep
Painting Story
This painting titled “For One’s Well-being” has been inspired by the groups of people I have brought into my life through activities such as Art Therapy and Creative Writing provided by Mind Australia; and also my volunteering and paid work that I do with Road Trauma Support Services Victoria.
For the sake of my own well-being, I have found over a course of time, that being part of community groups such as these organisations, has truly helped me gain a better sense of well-being. Within the comfort and security of such organisations, I have witnessed how people have been empowered to voice their feelings, share, reveal, support, encourage each other during times of great difficulty alongside of professional support systems. I have also witnessed how when participants choose to come and join such organisations, they grow strong and more-able to deal with day to day difficulties; and I am one of those people.
My painting reflects an image of myself in the foreground, with my support networks in the background. They come from all walks of life; they are family, friends, work mates and community group members whom have been an integral part of my life over recent years, and all have contributed to my ability to reach a healthy mindset. Hence varying colours of difference; and colours with commonality. I couldn’t have got to this place where I am now without their support and this painting is a tribute to them all.
© Karen Robinson, February 2016
NB: Here below is a set of photos that quickly show the steps/painting practice taken to complete this painting. For a more detailed understanding of said, please view the slideshow following the photos here.
14 of 14 Karen Robinson standing by her painting titled ‘For One’s Well-being” Acrylic on Canvas, Feb 2016, 90cms Length x 90cms Wide x 3cms Deep at Mind Australia’s 2016 Conference at the MCG presenting on ‘My Carer’s Journey – When words are hard to find’ 21.6.2016
CONCLUSION
The process of painting, painting story-writing and photo-taking has offered me a way of expressing thoughts and emotions which can be difficult to say out loud. I also came to understanding that art can be a very powerful way of communicating with others. Therapy via art, gave me a voice and my art therapy journey has become an important part of my life in recent years; and still will be an important part of my life in years to come. I am hoping that by sharing my art therapy journey, will inspire others, to take up art therapy to find their voice – in order to be able to move forward in most difficult of times. Art Therapy has brought me now to a much better place where I find myself being able to seek joy in every day. As an ongoing process, I will be blogging about my art therapy journey “moving forward” and expand on how others have used/are using art therapy to assist physical and emotional well-being. I hope you will join me!
© Karen Robinson – February 2016
POST-TRAUMATIC GROWTH: Improving one’s sense of wellbeing using art, creative writing, photography and blogging – my journey written by ©Karen Robinson. Please click here for my latest blog news!
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