For the last twenty years I’ve utilized the creative process to expunge the negative feelings I experienced; my work is neutral or dark in tone. Relationships, when depicted, seem twisted, and it was all very much needed and genuine at the time. But I am challenging myself to try something new. Brighter colors and a different kind of beauty that focuses less on past suffering and more toward joy. Maybe it will be a successful experiment, or maybe I won’t feel that I am in my own skin, but I think it’s worth a try.

I felt like I needed a guide, and I have always loved the work of Kelly Rae Roberts, so I have signed up for one of her e-courses. It doesn’t start until mid-February, but I am already excited about the possibilities and it is helping me with a very important DBT skill already.

As I am winding down with DBT therapy I am finding that my art is integrating the concepts and skills we use on a daily basis. One of those is opposite action, which is, as it sounds, mindfully choosing to behave in a way opposite of an emotion that isn’t effective. All emotions teach us something, but there is a difference between experiencing pain, and choosing to dwell in it, which leads to suffering.

I also chose Kelly Rae Robert’s e-course because there is a community section where participants will interact, and I have been longing for more of a community studio time without having to leave the comfort of my home studio. I am so excited to see if I am able to take her teachings and apply it to my own work, creating my own unique look that may have a thought provoking message for others.