Art Therapy – Creating in Small Moments

Joy and Hope (Study)
ACEO by Alison Louise

Hello,

I haven’t shared any artwork for quite a while, so I thought I would take a moment to explain a little about what has been happening in my life, and also share a small piece I’ve managed to complete using art therapeutically.

The past few years have been extremely challenging for my health. I have been battling Lyme disease / CFS, as well as dealing with the aftermath of a botched surgery. On top of that, I suffered two serious falls that were a real shock to my system. The second fall resulted in a highly complex hip fracture, and I had to undergo a full hip replacement.

Unfortunately, I was also left with what seems to be damage to the lower part of my spine and sit bones, which causes severe  pain on the other side of the hip replacement. Simple things like walking or sitting can be very difficult, and even travelling in a car can be painful. Because of this, I have largely become housebound and do not feel confident using public transport.

Much of my time and energy now goes into simply managing my health. Living with ongoing pain and fatigue means that looking after myself has, in many ways, become a full-time job, I do not know where I would be tbh if I didnt have a faith.

Chronic illness can also be difficult because so much of it is invisible to others. Sometimes people don’t fully see or understand the limitations it creates. I continue to stay in touch with loved ones as best I can now, often by phone, even when physically travelling isn’t possible. I care deeply about my loved ones, and I do what I can within the limits of my health. I hope that in time people will understand that these restrictions are not a matter of choice, but simply the reality of living with these health conditions.

Recently I’ve felt led to use creativity as a form of therapy. Many people will know how powerful creative flow can be — it gives the mind a place to rest for a while and allows us to step away, even briefly, from difficult circumstances.

Because my energy and time are limited, I’ve had to rethink how I approach art. Recently I rediscovered ACEOs and Art Trading Cards. These are tiny works of art created on a surface measuring just 2.5 × 3.5 inches. They are perfect if you are working in a small space or if you only have short bursts of energy. They are also a wonderful way to experiment with different materials and styles without the pressure of completing a large piece. They can also be used as studies for larger pieces when you are able or prints to make editions.

Working small has allowed me to reconnect with creativity in a way that feels manageable and therapeutic. Even when I only have a little time or energy, I can still create something and experience that sense of flow.

In this blog I’ll be sharing some of the small pieces I manage to complete along the way. If you’re curious about ACEOs, you can easily find more information about them online — they have quite an interesting history in the art community.

Here is one of my recent mixed-media pieces completed  today in fact!

And of course today is Mothering Sunday here in the UK, so here is a shout out to my Mum (Happy Mothers Day Mum) and Happy Mothers Day to all the Mothers out there! Hope you are all having a great day!

Title: Hope and Joy
Mixed Media ACEO (2.5 × 3.5 inches)

Returning to art, even in these small ways, has reminded me how powerful creativity can be as a form of healing. If you are also navigating illness, hardship, or difficult circumstances, I hope this small piece might be a gentle reminder that even the smallest creative moments can help us find a little light.

If you would like have a go at making small art you can order  the exact size card for ACEOS through this link: https://amzn.to/415b3Nj
and disclaimer I may start earning small commisions on sales through amazon, although I think I need a certain number of people that have ordered through my links first, anyway every little helps.

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