Making art can definitely help you through the slow-moving grief of cognitive decline. I remember when my parents were slipping into dementia and I would visit them in Cleveland. It really helped to go to a cafe between visits and to work on a book that took place in another world. I like your collages. Getting visual is a nice relief from the burden of words and analytical thinking.
It's so good to hear from you again. Sorry you are going through a hard time. Your collages are definitely amazing and I enjoyed every one of them, especially, the last one. We all need to make time for ourselves. Self expression is vital. Please post again and if you make more collages, please let us all see them.
This was touching and resonated deeply. I've been feeling called to mix media and experiment a lot in my creative expression recently, too as I've been in a period of huge transitions. I think finding the time to be creative daily is important for me to prioritize my processing ability, even if I only work for a 5 minute session of coloring or gathering materials, it really fills my cup in a way nothing else does. I also agree that writing can feel like too much work when I'm in the Red Zone because I just don't have the motivation, energy, or enough spoons to do it with the prefrontal cortex so offline. Scribbling doodles can feel easier because it's just about feelings out without words, or maybe a few get mixed in. Thanks for sharing! May you continue to evolve and experiment as you need to cope and thrive!!
This resonated strongly and (I don't believe in coincidences) I was literally telling a close friend early today that I feel pulled to try collage, so thank you for that confirmation. Love yours--they are powerful. I was an artist before I shifted into writing and embodied that as my primary form of creative expression. During fearful, stressful times (losing my dad in 2011, pandemic lockdown, etc.) I have found myself buying art supplies in bulk and then...not using them. But having them fills something and one day I will give myself space and grace to use them. What's holding me back is a lack of time and a ridiculous but tough to shake conviction that my time has to be used purposefully. Yeah, I'm working on changing that. thanks for the inspiration. Sending you a big hug as you cope with your dad's situation. You're doing a great job. Remember that.
Thanks so much for your comment, Abby. And yes, I totally get that “I don’t have time to make art” self talk and feeling I have to be productive. I hereby give you permission to use any of your art supplies for as little or as long as you need to fill your well! And if you make some collages I’d love to see them 😊
Definitely grief... the cognitive decline is so sad and painful. My MIL died of Alzheimer's and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. Be gentle with yourself. LOVE the collages!
I love the process of collage and enjoyed this glimpse of your collage work.
Making art can definitely help you through the slow-moving grief of cognitive decline. I remember when my parents were slipping into dementia and I would visit them in Cleveland. It really helped to go to a cafe between visits and to work on a book that took place in another world. I like your collages. Getting visual is a nice relief from the burden of words and analytical thinking.
Thanks, Carl. We definitely need survival strategies in this marathon of caring for our aging parents.
It's so good to hear from you again. Sorry you are going through a hard time. Your collages are definitely amazing and I enjoyed every one of them, especially, the last one. We all need to make time for ourselves. Self expression is vital. Please post again and if you make more collages, please let us all see them.
Thank you I will do that!
Hi Louise,
Thank you for your beautifully written and heartfelt piece.
Thanks for the comment, Karen.
Louise,
This was touching and resonated deeply. I've been feeling called to mix media and experiment a lot in my creative expression recently, too as I've been in a period of huge transitions. I think finding the time to be creative daily is important for me to prioritize my processing ability, even if I only work for a 5 minute session of coloring or gathering materials, it really fills my cup in a way nothing else does. I also agree that writing can feel like too much work when I'm in the Red Zone because I just don't have the motivation, energy, or enough spoons to do it with the prefrontal cortex so offline. Scribbling doodles can feel easier because it's just about feelings out without words, or maybe a few get mixed in. Thanks for sharing! May you continue to evolve and experiment as you need to cope and thrive!!
"Enough spoons"—I'm not sure what this refers to but I love the image!
This resonated strongly and (I don't believe in coincidences) I was literally telling a close friend early today that I feel pulled to try collage, so thank you for that confirmation. Love yours--they are powerful. I was an artist before I shifted into writing and embodied that as my primary form of creative expression. During fearful, stressful times (losing my dad in 2011, pandemic lockdown, etc.) I have found myself buying art supplies in bulk and then...not using them. But having them fills something and one day I will give myself space and grace to use them. What's holding me back is a lack of time and a ridiculous but tough to shake conviction that my time has to be used purposefully. Yeah, I'm working on changing that. thanks for the inspiration. Sending you a big hug as you cope with your dad's situation. You're doing a great job. Remember that.
Thanks so much for your comment, Abby. And yes, I totally get that “I don’t have time to make art” self talk and feeling I have to be productive. I hereby give you permission to use any of your art supplies for as little or as long as you need to fill your well! And if you make some collages I’d love to see them 😊
❤️
Definitely grief... the cognitive decline is so sad and painful. My MIL died of Alzheimer's and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. Be gentle with yourself. LOVE the collages!
Thanks Stephanie I appreciate the support 🙏🏼
Making art accesses a lovely space in your brain where energy flows and judgements slips away. I'm glad you found that space.
Thanks Courtney — I am too!