In the past I’ve shared with you my other passion which is art! I’m not formally trained however being creative has always been a part of my story. When I was a little girl I liked art, and loved to doodle. I loved coloring books, drawing, pottery class and painting. I didn’t always have access to all these things at the same time however whenever I did have access or the ability to create I loved it. So, with that said, aside from my passion for art, I personally feel that art helps heal. Did you miss my other blog post called The Healing Power of art? Check it out.
I previously shared with you that Impurrfectlife would be featuring more art. Today I will share a little bit more with you as to how I believe painting has helped heal my heart after pet loss.
5 Ways I discovered painting helped heal my heart
Feeling fulfilled and tapping into my passion
Because I am a creative person by nature, I found that tapping into my passion helps fulfill me. It doesn’t feel like work but more of a natural way to relax and use my creative juices. If you are a person that loves to bake, or loves to ride horses or write, it makes you feel good. You feel a sense of fulfillment when you do what you enjoy. There is a sense of comfort and natural flow to things when you are in tune with what you desire.
Challenging myself through creative expression
Painting, drawing, and sculpting are all forms of physical creative expression. The ability to translate your emotions, dreams, and goals on canvas is a perfect form of expression. Being able to express myself creatively helps me to grow and stretch my abilities. Ninety percent of the time I work freehand and go with the flow. Many of my works are not super detailed however it’s a goal I’m working towards. I’m no Picasso however that’s okay.
One thing I love about art is that it is subjective to interpretation. What one person sees, another one does not see. Each piece of art I complete or another artist completes communicates something different. That’s the beauty of creative expression. It’s my own and it’s unique to me.
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Provided me a healthy form of escape
Painting is a healthy form of escape and passage of time. Of all the things in the world I could possibly subject myself to, my choice is a paintbrush and a canvas. Painting is calorie-free, doesn’t cause cancer, constructive, creative and a healthy form of escape. Sometimes experiencing something like loss or trauma you don’t feel talking or going about town socializing. You want to be able to process your thoughts and feelings but do so on your own time but in a healthy manner. Painting on canvas provided me that medium for healing.
Elevate my mood & keeping me active
I know what you are thinking…how is painting keeping you active? It’s not like running a marathon. Okay you are right there, however other than running to Michael’s for painting supplies, creating paintings does keep my brain active. Using my creative side of my brain means using parts of the brain that normally would lay dormant otherwise if I just laid up in the bed all day feeling sorry for myself. If reading helps keep your brain and memory sharp, creating and keeping your brain active has benefits in helping lift your mood.
Inspiring others
Lastly, one of the unexpected ways painting helped heal my heart was in the reactions of others. This was something I didn’t even expect or plan on. See this is what happens when you are minding your own business and doing what you enjoy for yourself and not for others. Other people take notice.
If you read my other blog post the Healing Power of Art you know that I got reintroduced to painting in my adult years after a PaintNite gathering. It was at the gathering, that I tapped into my love of art once again and to my own surprise my accompanying friends took notice too. With a few compliments and encouragements from my friends and peers to share/sell my art, I began to think differently.
Painting my art isn’t just for me and healing my heart but by happenstance, some of my work inspired others and made them smile. That made me feel great to know something I did that brought me joy also inspired someone else in a positive way. Putting a smile on someone’s face and bringing them joy is never a bad thing.
So, those are the five ways painting helped to heal my heart. I hope you feel inspired and know that art and following your creative passions is more than just aesthetics. And whether or not you are into art, I encourage you to tap into your own personal passion. There is no better feeling than doing that which you love and makes your heart feel full.
So, to close out this post, I’ll share a few of my other works I’ve recently completed below. You can visit the rest of my growing portfolio of work here. Keep an eye out and be sure to follow me on Instagram to see what new projects I’m working on.
What are some of your personal passions? Do you like art? Comment and share your thoughts below.
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Post published Jan 2018. Updated July 2020.
30 Comments
Linda
I enjoyed learning about your journey to healing your heart. Losing a pet is one of the hardest times in a person’s life. They are a family member and sometimes you are with them more than you are with your own human family. I have never been an artist. I can’t even draw a decent stick figure! But I love to write and that is where my talent lies. I think everyone should find their talent and go with it. Good for you.
Jill - CharityPaws
Kamira your work is beautiful! Art is so therapeutic — I do not do it nearly enough! Keep at it – looking forward to seeing more work from you.
Tenacious Little Terrier
I’ve been taking some crafting classes (under supervision) and they’re really relaxing. Most of my projects have been dog-related.
Anita Aurit
I love, love your art! I too find time in my craft room where I’m being creative is time that heals and calms. On the rare occasions I have the opportunity to spend an extended length of time in the craft room I find I get “in the zone” and could stay there forever if it wasn’t for the cats staring at me through the glass doors (as well as the husband if it’s dinner time).
Irene McHugh
I love reading and discussing books. Since 2011, I’ve written a book review for every book I’ve read. That’s really what got me thinking about blogging, which I also consider a creative outlet.
Cash
Nice post. I like your art. I liked to draw and paint when I was younger. But nowadays I don’t have much time for it.
Ruth Epstein
I come from an incredible artistic family but me am lousy LOL. One of the ways I love relaxing is with cooking and experimenting with foods. It is when I forget all the worries in the world and just focus on what I am trying to do. Having a hobby of any kind that keeps you busy, relaxed is so important and if you have a talent to go with it you are blessed.
The Dash Kitten Crew
You do such inspiring stuff. You have found a groove and a style that is definably you!
How amazing is that (I just can’t find mine at all LOL!)
Kamira Gayle
Linda,
Thank you! I also agree with losing a pet being harder than even losing a family member. So true. Thanks for the support and kuddos to you for finding what you love to do too in your writing.
Kamira Gayle
Jill,
Thank you so much!
Kamira Gayle
Nothing wrong with that! 😉
Kamira Gayle
Anita,
Aww I love that. I need a separate craft room in my life. I can totally relate to what you mean about getting lost “in the zone”. I’m with you!And thanks for the kind words!
Kamira Gayle
Irene,
That’s a great idea for a blogging niche. I had it in mind to finish a dozen books in 2017 however I didn’t make my goal. I hope to do better in 2018. Thanks for sharing your input!
Kamira Gayle
Cash,
Thank you. Since you are short on time perhaps try a paint nite one random day when you get off time. They are a great way to get out with friends and have a creative night all in one.
Kamira Gayle
Ruth,
Cooking is a great outlet. I agree with your thoughts 100%.
Kamira Gayle
Marjorie,
Thank you so much! Thanks for following this journey with me. Keep searching and try everything…I know you’ll find your groove. I’m a fan of Dash Kitten too. Love your videos.
Talent Hounds
How very inspiring- your art is beautiful. I absolutely agree that art, writing, music, dancing, sports and of course pets can all be very therapeutic and rewarding. We each have to find what makes us happy and hopefully we can find some success doing it.
Bernard Lima-Chavez
Art is healing and art is life! Whether you are creating the art work or experiencing it in a public space, a gallery or a museum, art has this magical quality that makes life just plain better! For me personally, it’s street art and graffiti that feeds my soul!
Sweet Purrfections
I remember “tapping into my artistic side” when I was going through a divorce. It was very therapeutic. I need to find some things to do to keep me both mentally and physically stimulated now that I’m older and retired to help be get out of my depression.
Beth
I’m glad that your art brings you so much joy, and now is available to others as well! I’m a fan of art, but I’m not artistic.
Kamira Gayle
Thank you so much. I couldn’t say it any better!
Kamira Gayle
Bernard,
Well said. I agree! Love your graffiti page too!
Kamira Gayle
You should definitely try to do a Paint Nite one night. You can meet up with girl friends or go solo. It helps to get out the house and re focus your energy. I understand depression is no joke. Sending you good vibes!!
Kamira Gayle
Thank you Beth! I think your dog photography blog you share is definitely a work of art! 🙂
Cathy Armato
I’m glad you started nurturing your artistic side, you’re a very talented artist! Art is definitely therapeutic. After losing my childhood dog, I found gardening to be therapeutic – I’m not anywhere near as creative as you are! I love your peek a boo and butterfly art here.
Love & Biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
Stephanie Seger
This is wonderful and I’m so happy you’ve found what makes you happy! It can be so scary to put yourself out there. But I think as long as you are doing it for you, selling the art down the road is just an added bonus.
Kamira Gayle
Thank you so much Cathy! I’m glad I rediscovered my passion too. I admire your green thumb. I’m not so good at keeping plants alive. LOL
Kamira Gayle
Stephanie,
Well said. I couldn’t agree more!
Becky Chernyk
This is amazing! Love that you have found something you are passionate about and also chose to share it! I am always intruiged to know other peoples passions and stories. Thanks for the read!
Kamira Gayle
Becky,
Thank YOU for taking the time to stop by and read. Hope your continue to follow! 🙂