Painting Out the Feelings

I’ve been following Adrian’s Art since spotting one of his very first posts on Instagram. The monochrome image of plump raindrops running down a sash window caught my eye and I spent more than a moment reflecting on each water droplet’s journey down the glass.

Number ten in a series of blog posts, Thortify is committed to meeting with artists who are comfortable sharing with us how art and creativity supports their wellbeing. When approached Adrian was happy to do this, and was suprised by just how much he could write on the subject.

Art for healing

“I grew up not believing I was creative or recognising the value in art. So, I found it quite a surprise when I got an urge to draw in 2013 - a year later this developed into a desire to paint as well. This urge came at a point in my life when I realised that I didn’t have any hobbies, and when my early life trauma was starting to come to the surface needing to be addressed.

“My skills had not progressed beyond infant school level, so I bought a fun beginner book on drawing to help get me started. I immediately found that I enjoyed drawing and that the process of creating helped me to connect with the deeper narrative that was going on inside of me.

“I remember the first time I took a simple sketch to my counsellor, and this helped her to ask questions that unlocked something deeper within me. Over the last ten years this process of art therapy has become an invaluable tool to help me heal through processing trauma.”

Working through different mediums

“Acrylics is probably my preferred medium. It’s immediate, because it’s quick to dry, and very forgiving because I can keep adding layers until I am happy with what I have painted.

“I started with pencil crayons and then moved on to a beginners’ set of watercolours and acrylics. Later, I began to buy better quality paints and added soft pastels and oils into the mix. I like trying new things and have recently had a go at lino printing.

“I generally like to develop ideas quickly with loose sketches. If I want to take the idea further, I might try a smaller acrylic or oil painting before producing a larger one. I enjoy painting in a loose style on a large canvas because it really helps to get the feelings out!”

Favourite piece

“It’s not a pretty picture, but one of my favourite paintings is the above 20” x 16” canvas titled ‘Rejected’ (2018). I enjoyed painting the heart with my fingers but found it uncomfortable when I felt the need to add in the barbed wire. This process, along with some therapy, helped me to realise that I had some deep rejection issues to face. Several years later, and after much healing, it was a relief to find myself painting the antidote picture which I called ‘Accepted to the Core’ (2021). “

How do you feel art supports your wellbeing?

“Art is both an enjoyable hobby and a therapeutic tool for me. I create art because I enjoy it and because it helps with my internal processing which leads to healing and growth.

“It helps me to connect more deeply with myself and others. It also seems to have become a way of life!”

Advice to someone starting out on their creative journey

“Focus on having fun and trying new things. Keep playing and experimenting. Learn to respond to those creative nudges even when they seem nonsensical at times. See what they might lead to.

“Try and focus on the process of creating more than on what the finished product will look like. This isn’t easy, but I find it helps to see every step on the process as an experiment.

“Let the negative feelings come up if they want to. They may be trying to tell you something that you need to listen to.

“You can’t do this alone. Get all the input, feedback, help, support, inspiration and companionship you need from others along the way.”

Self-care strategies

“First thing in the morning, or when I need to during the day, I pause and take time to let deeper feelings surface to become aware of what is going on in me. I find that writing in a stream-of-conscience style helps with this. These writings often become a poem or a prayer.

“Each day I aim to move the creative process forward just a little bit at least. Sometimes this means setting aside time to paint. More often I might just take a short amount of time to explore an idea or reflect on where I am at in the process.

“Periodically, I might take a larger portion of time out for processing and creating. Maybe a long weekend at home or going away on some form of retreat.

“Counselling and coaching have been invaluable when things have been particularly intense.

“And then there is the need to work, rest and exercise, and do other things that I enjoy such as reading, gardening, exploring places and spending time with family and friends.”

Feeling the healing

“Over the last five years I have had to put in lots of hard work to heal from complex trauma. It has been a difficult process at times, but it has also been beautiful and liberating. Now, it seems like the journey is more about growth and moving forward. I’m excited to see where it will lead!

“I wrote the poem below when I began to understand the healing process more…”

This little piece of grit by Adrian Bates (October 2019)

This little piece of grit

Is getting under my skin

And causing me such pain,

Oh, what a mess I’m in.

What a to-do

What must I do?

I’m not so sure.

What if I start right here

With this little piece of grit,

Start expressing the pain

And see what comes of it?

What shall I see?

Where will it lead?

I’m not so sure.

Finding the lies within,

The truth begins to unfurl.

Leading to the treasure -

A beautiful new pearl.

We are always incredibly grateful when artists share their thoughts and self-care strategies with us. The very act of creating itself can be so life-affirming and grounding, and it’s been amazing to find so many examples of this in action, among creatives in our community.

You can find more examples of Adrian’s deeply reflective artwork on his Instagram page, perfect for a mindful escape at the beginning or end of a working day.

Thank you for following this monthly blog series - your time is valued here.

Peace and paintbrushes

Debra Thortify.