Can we use Art to heal?

Hello, and a big warm welcome to my studio, on a very hot and sticky 1st of July!

I'm Hannah, and I run my business Han'made from my studio here in the UK. It's taken on many different forms over the years, and naturally so as we evolve as people, nurture new interests, and stumble through the happenings of life.

Which leads me to where I am today. Can we use Art to heal?

Now I may not have answers right now, or ever, but I'm embarking on a journey of discovery.

What you may not have seen over the last 5 years of running my business, navigating motherhood, grief, moving homes, and career changes is that I've been on a beautiful road of self-decision. I've wanted to know the reasons behind why I do certain things, why I turn to my calligraphy for moments of calm, and what this art block is that's stopping me from making anything happen.

I have always been fascinated by the why and how our brains work, and when it came to picking my A-Levels at college, I decided to take Psychology alongside Fine Art, Graphic Design, and Media Studies.

I love art, I love the process of the unknown, the unconstructed, the flow, the freedom to create whatever your mind feels. Oil, Acrylic, Printing Ink & Blocks all fascinate me. I love to get messy, to create a space to unwind in and carve out moments of mindfulness.

But then I equally need to make money, pay my bills and put food on the table. How do I make both work for me? A question I repeatedly ask myself as my life changes through its different seasons.

The same questions 10 years ago in my business look different to those of today, and that's ok. Do I seek more time, more creative freedom, and more revenue?

Every time life had its hard moments, I'd turn to my quiet corner. I'd write in my journal, I'd scrapbook and bake. Essentially, I'd turn to creativity as a form of reflection and relaxation. I'd use it to calm the mind, ease the tensions in my body and ground myself.

But I'd keep this private, it was just for me and rightly so at times, but I'd also feel isolated. Was it only me who was feeling this way?

So I continued to work in my business, showing up but feeling blocked by my art. How do I carve time for something that's needed, when it also doesn't pay the bills?

I'd chip away at this feeling, at times suppressing it and continuing as normal, whilst sometimes I feel the energy of needing to uncover more.

So that's why in June, I decided to enrol to become a Holistic Integrated Creative Arts Therapist.

I'm still painting, making, selling and marketing my work - all of which I will continue to share the journey. But just know, it's coming from a place of healing, a journey, a path to the unknown.

I don't have the final destination figured out, and I don't expect myself to either. I'm leaning in fully, into what is a beautiful journey of discovery, healing and mindfulness.

So, going back to my initial question, can art heal? My personal answer is yes. It can help uncover your deepest worries, find compassion within yourself and allow you the space to explore your thoughts when you sometimes don't quite have the words to say.

If you’re interested in watching the process from my art studio, you can follow along in the video below:

If you know someone who might enjoy a little more mindful creativity, a sense of calm, or connection with a like-hearted community, I’d be so grateful if you passed this newsletter along to them.
Thank you.

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With love, Hannah x