Art as a healing process

I got emails and well wishes after blogging about my pet fishies, Alfa and Beta, and how they accompanied me while I recovered from my cervical spine injury. Just a note to let you all know that after two and half years, I am now 90% recovered, and I'm so grateful for your concern.

I'm going to spend a little time today on my healing journey with Alfa and Beta, and how they affect my art.

When I was stuck at home, the fishies I painted were also not very mobile, and stuck in a tank:


Staying off work and staying home recovering, I watched the world go by and felt the need to catch up. To encourage myself, I painted "Wait Up" , telling myself : "Not to worry, I'll be coming back soon with a roar!"



I would also make them colourful in order to cheer myself up, and make them jump and dance the way I couldn't:


I must mention here that I have been receiving a lot of support from my artist friends on Fineartamerica.com and Imagekind.com. After uploading my art, I've received kind words and wonderful encouragement from them. It has made my healing journey so much fun. I would log in everyday to see what they say about my art. We would also exchange ideas on techniques... it makes the the days go by so quickly.

After two long years, I was healing very well, and I painted "I'm back" in celebration of my recovery. After being cooped up at home for so long, I could finally get out ...Wheeeeeee...



Finally, I was able to get out on my own, and have some fun. It was a great, great feeling, and I painted "It's A Fun World Out There":



So you can see, art can really be a healing process. Not only does it kill time, it also makes me feel productive instead of wasting away. It offers me a way to wander into a whimsical world filled with joy, hope and boundless movement.

Art is wonderful! Life is beautiful!