Turning to ART with Chronic Illness

Turning to art with chronic illness is something I have heard a lot of people in my community have done to cope. I know the government likes to paint us as lazy, but the truth is many of us use art as a way to fill the void that work can leave in our lives. As yesterday was world art day, I thought we would talk about it more.

My journey with ART

As a child I loved art, but was terrible at it, at school I struggled a lot and to be honest any artistic endeavours were met with laughter. I came to realise that art was not for me and gave up on crafting or doing anything like it because it would inevitably be a failure.

Fast forward to my early twenties when I first became sick and I could no longer work, I started to collect autographs. I also became a roleplayer online and started to make fanart to go along with the character I wrote with.

I loved making art and would share it on my Tumblr page, I still was not the greatest at it, but I found myself inspired and wishing I could draw. The idea of being able to draw and create was something that would constantly frustrate me as I knew any attempts would probably be laughed at.

My husband is an incredible artist, and you can see his work over on his Instagram account, which just inspired me more. So, as I looked for more hobbies to do offline, I started to think about trying some art again.

I began by finding people online who shared their art, like some of my favourite witchcraft YouTubers. Many people on YouTube show and explain how they are doing each step which is so good for us beginner artists to get tips and tricks.

I always love sharing my journey through life on my YouTube channel and so when I started to get into art magic, I shared it on there. This was so scary, but I found so many people commenting how much they enjoyed seeing my journey and following as I tried new things.

Art is wonderful in so many ways and is something I believe anyone can do, I follow an incredible artist on YouTube called Create and Meditate with Jayme. What I love is how simple her pieces are because she doesn’t have much time to do art.

She takes this time to meditate and to just enjoy the process, this is therapeutic to her and it is just as lovely to watch. Those of us with energy limiting illnesses need to remember that art doesn’t need to be complicated to be worthwhile.

This was a big lesson for me, and something that the people creating and sharing their art on YouTube taught me. I love being creative and sharing my process and progress on my channel I love crafting and making art now.

It can take time to learn and time to gain confidence but turning to art with chronic illness was the best idea I could have had. It helps me to learn, to gain confidence, keep my brain and limbs working and gives me a chance to share how much art means to me.

So, even if you avoided art because nobody supported you as a child, or if you used to do art and your chronic illness or disability has stopped you, it’s worth trying again. There are many ways of making art, and I know no matter what is holding you back, there is a style or type of art that you will love.  

Turning to ART with Chronic Illness Share on X

Turning to art

• Social media – The best place to start is social media, if you are interested in art journalling, art therapy prompts, acrylic pouring, digital art, adult colouring, no matter what you will find it. YouTube and Instagram have big art communities and often once you find something that catches your interest you will find more creators sharing as they do it. This is a great way to find what you will need, and what skills are needed as well as the best ways to start.
• Make it easy – There is always a way to make things more accessible, it just takes patience and imagination. Learning new skills with a disability or limitations because of chronic illnesses is possible, so look for ways to make it as easy as possible.
• Thrift it – There is always a chance that you can find the things needed for your crafting when you are out and about thrifting. If you are unable to leave home, look at online places like Facebook marketplace, or eBay for example. I have found so many things I have needed in charity shops for a fraction of the price so look to buy second hand before thinking art is out of your price range.
• Be mindful – You knew it was coming, but yes this is another chance to practice mindfulness. Art can be therapeutic if you can let go of judgement and worry and instead just focus on your breath and the art itself. I find adult colouring and doodling to be the best for this, but whatever you feel drawn to it is so important to be in the moment. This is your chance to just be inspired and focused on the work as you do it.
• Take breaks – It is so important to remember to take breaks and to look after your chronic illnesses. It can be so tempting to get absorbed in the art and to forget that your body needs a rest. I always just happen to coincide my breaks with a cup of tea, but no matter what make sure you take care of yourself.

Turning to art with chronic illness is a wonderful thing that can really bring so much joy and accomplishment. So long as you find ways to do it that accommodate your needs, you will come to love it no matter if it ends up hung in a gallery or hidden away in a book. I really love art and crafting so let me know what you enjoy doing or would love to try in the comments.

Thank you xx

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