Images of Healing Art Show: 2 Pastel Drawings

Two of my pastel pieces will be on view at the Images of Healing Art Show in Placerville, California at the Upstairs Art Gallery on Main Street, starting Sept. 18 through Mid-October. Since most of you won’t be able to come, here they are:

Title: Self Hatred

Media: Pastels

One reason I do art is to heal from trauma. I drew this image about five years ago to examine the suicidal feelings I felt as a teenager and in my early twenties. I now know that these feelings stemmed from a deep sense of unworthiness that I learned as a young child. Art has helped me come to know that I am worthy and lovable.

Title:  Armored for Life

media: pastels

Drawing helps me accept my feelings for what they are; then, I can change and grow. This pastel expresses the way that I felt in my body growing up–trapped and hardened to life. An angry girl–me–is prisoner inside. Middendorf Breathwork, a somatic therapy, has also helped me soften and accept the beautiful body that I have.

As I said in the previous post, sometimes images are the only words I have.