Craft For Health

Job Loss and Breast Cancer Started my Path to Creative Design by Melissa Lisbon

Hi Kathy & Barb:  I really enjoy reading your blog, and sincerely believe that crafting, or simply exercising your creative side is incredibly beneficial to one's health.   This is my story:

I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer over 3 years ago when I was 39.  I had yet to go for my first mammogram, but after finding a lump in my breast I was sent for a mammogram and biopsy right away.  Like anyone who has had something like this happen, you never prepare yourself for the bad news.  In my mind, I couldn't possibly have cancer.  I prided myself on taking good care of myself and eating healthier than most people I knew.  Nevertheless, I got breast cancer and had a lumpectomy followed by 6 weeks of radiation and hormonal treatment (prescribed for 5 years).  I went through this stage in my life in a daze.  I knew I could get through it but I don't believe I really internalized what was happening.  While I was being treated, I took medical leave from my demanding corporate position.  I was a head of a department with an international law firm, and had worked for this firm for over 13 years. 


Once back at work, I resumed my fast paced stressful existence and put my breast cancer diagnosis behind me.  Early this year, I was told (over the phone) that I was being laid off.  Similar to receiving the call from my doctor to inform me that I had breast cancer, I was in shock and disbelief.  In both circumstances, nothing prepares you for this life changing news.  When I finally came to terms with the layoff and the concept of no longer being responsible for my job, an overwhelming urge came over me to make something with my hands.  It's hard to describe this feeling other than I believe I had surpressed my creative side for so many years that something inside me finally made it's way to my attention.  This urge led me to purchase books on making jewelry and it started my path into creative thinking.  When I learned from a friend that I could sell my handcrafted jewelry on Etsy.com, I got excited.  I soon had set up a shop, entitled "californiablue" where I could post my casual, fresh designs (http://californiablue.etsy.com).  I also started a blog, also called "californiablue" which chronicles my journey into creativity and day to day inspirations I have. 


All in all, I truly believe that crafting, or allowing yourself to be creative in a variety of ways is nourishing for the soul and healing for the body.  My life post cancer and post corporate is not only happier, but healthier due making jewelry.  I don't think anyone needs to get a life threatening diagnosis or be laid off from their job to realize how important feeding your creative spirit really is.  I'm grateful for my life journey thus far, and look forward to the future.

 - Melissa N. Lisbon

shop:  http://californiablue.etsy.com
blog:  http://californiablue.tumblr.com

Layoffs to Blissful Art Making! By Jan Weiss

Through out my life..as far back as I remember I have been creating art. I have tried most mediums and enjoyed some more then others but always enjoyed the process. It's something I did in my spare time since I was raising a daughter on my own and a consistent paycheck was important. The years went on and my daughter grew up. My career in art publishing took off and I landed a good job with a major on-line retailer of art. In fact the biggest online retailer of art in the world. I learned a lot and was there for three years. Then the layoffs happened and I made it past the first round but not the second. Last February I found myself without a job. I haven't been without a job in over 20 years. I went through the normal grieving process and the I began to create more art then I was before. My art evolved and became more prolific. I blogged more and wrote more. I networked with people in the industry that I haven't talked to in years. I took chances with my art and started working with more digital technology. Some days I made up to five new pieces. My collages have improved and my image bank is loaded.

 

For years I wanted so bad to be on my own with my art. I just wanted to endlessly create and write about art. But of course the idea of going without a steady paycheck is scary. I wanted insurance and vacation benefits, sick days and paid holidays. Well, I don't have any of that now but my creative life is so much richer. I can't imagine going back to the corporate life of doing things only for money; the endless round of reviews and administrative purgatory and of constantly compromsing the integrity of the art world.

The money is coming. I once read a quote that went like this. "Do what you love and the money will follow". Well...I am doing what I love and I looked behind me and there is a little bit more following me everyday. My husband doesn't worry - he knows it will work out.

 

 

Bio: My name is Jan Weiss and I am a Northern California artist and enjoy mixed media collage, free hand drawing and digital painting. When I'm not drawing I run an Internet based company selling fine art prints. Read my blog at www.tuesdaymoonstudio.blogspot.com or my Etsy site at www.tuesdaymoon.etsy.com.

Happy To Be Creative Everyday by Julene

My craft of paper cutting helped me through the challenge of being laid off in 2008.  Now I'm so happy that I can be creative everyday and earn a living from it. It's a dream really.  Because of the lay-off, this changed the path of my creative career. I began making paper cuts as one-off gifts for friends, and realised they were hugely popular.  Although I am now very busy, the time spent at the actual cutting mat however is very relaxing. The precision required and the repetitive nature helps me to focus and unwind. Not only from the stress of this new venture but also from the other things in life that weigh you down. It's a time for me to think and plan rather than the running about like a headless chicken which I now seem to do the rest of the time.

Shortly after my job loss, I started getting commissions for my designs. Since then I have set up a website and blog (madebyjulene.com) to deal with demand, and have since created hand-made paper cuts for people all over the world. I haven't done any advertising myself, I really have the online design community to thank. None of this would have been possible without the internet and the encouragement of others. 

My name is Julene Harrison and I love how my art of paper cutting helps me to relax.

My Heavy Heart from Job loss and Crocheting

 

This story is from Em who used crocheting to cope with her job loss.

  

Dec 9 of each year is a day of celebration for my family; it’s my twin brothers’ birthday.  On that same day in 2008 I was laid off from work.  While the company was experiencing some difficulties we had been assured by management that all was well and that the company would whether the storm and come through it better for it.  At 5 PM that day I got a phone call telling me that my position had been eliminated and that my services were no longer needed.  I was devastated.  I had worked there for 5 years and had been a loyal employee.  I went to my family’s dinner celebration with a heavy heart and didn’t say anything for fear of ruining everyone’s evening. 

The next day I informed them of my situation and just cried.  I didn’t understand why I had been so carelessly cast aside.  For the last 6 months I’ve looked for work and I have yet to find anything, and finances have been difficult.  The stress at times has been unbelievable.  The one thing that keeps me going though is my crocheting and tapestry beading.  

When I crochet or bead I find a solace that brings peace to my soul and allows me to relax.  I get lost counting the stitches or beads and all the days troubles just fall off my shoulders for at least a short period of time. 

 

Crocheting also brings back memories of my Italian grandmother.  She taught me how to crochet when I was 7 years old, and I always get a warm feeling when I pick up a crochet hook.  I can feel her love wash over me as if she were sitting right beside me.  It’s at those times that I know that she’s watching over me and that everything will be alright. 

In the mean time I continue to crochet and bead, and create what I love best.  You can find some of my creations at www.nothingbutstring.etsy.com  and as the name of my Etsy shop implies, it’s the thread of life that holds us all together.  

Let’s turn the chaos into harmony.

Rediscovering My Values by Painting About Food

A story by Chris Chun

It's a funny story how I got into painting art.  I went to my friend Gillian's gallery opening and mentioned to her that I have always wanted to have an exhibition of my own work. When I told her this I didn't think anymore of it. It's like when someone asks you what your dreams are  - whether it's visiting Egypt or skydiving or whatever...it's not in my immediate future but it's one of these wanderlust things to do maybe one day. Little did I know, about an hour later Gillian came back to me with her diary and said "OK, when do you want to have your show?". This was in February so I said "How about October?" So I was booked in. I love a challenge even though I had absolutely no idea what I was going to paint.

This came at a really significant time of my life. My Dad had just recently passed away so I was feeling a bit lost, bored with my current design job and really wanted to do something different. It was a really amazing time of my life, rediscovering my values and for the first time, I could paint whatever I wanted to and not be directed by a brief or client etc. So I painted about something I love - food. Yes, food. Both my parents were chefs so food is a real celebration of life for us. Dad left us with a wonderful gift of appreciating good food, dining out, trying new dishes and cooking etc. So, I painted all about my childhood memories, my holidays and significant events in my life such as my first pizza in Italy etc.

When I paint, I get into a 'zone' when everything is going right. It nurtures my soul and makes me feel alive! Each one of my paintings are like my babies - they're a part of me. I'm sad that they sell but at the same time, I'm happy that I have been able to connect with another person through my art (and make some money).  Needless to say, the show sold out and I have been painting full time since 2004. I'm very grateful for my gift and feel very lucky that I can make a living from following one of my passions.

 

Here are the links to my website, shop and blog:  htttp://chrischunart.blogspot.com/    http://www.chrischun.com 

http://chrischun.bigcartel.com