EATING DISORDER RECOVERY SERIES
What's it like when you realize you are not the only one struggling with (_______)?
Recovery from an eating disorder is a journey. The paintings in this series are often darker than the other paintings I create. As those who are on their own journey of recovery know, self-compassion is essential as is curiosity (not judgement).
I want these paintings to provoke conversation. Life is not always "picture perfect" and learning to be vulnerable and share what's really going on (in a safe environment) is the way forward.
In my dreams, these paintings will also find their way into middle/high school couseling offices, treatment centers/programs and therapist offices.
F***. I BURNED THOSE SHIPS. NOW WHAT?
9" x 12" mixed media acrylic on canvas
Google "burn the ships" - there are multiple versions about who said it first. Regardless, it resonates in recovery--that idea of ties that need to be severed; boundaries that must be maintained (no matter what) and abandonment of old thoughts. Now what? Move forward...it's the only way!
DROWNING (OR NOT?)
6" x 6" mixed media acrylic on canvas
Recovery is a journey; it's not linear. Some days I feel like I am sinking under all the emotions and fighting the ED voice; other days I am strong like the lighthouse and am able to be self compassionate and strong.
F*** OFF ED; IT'S AN ORANGE, NOT POISON
9" x 12" mixed media acrylic on canvas
$81.00
When you are struggling with an eating disorder, this piece of fruit (and the thought of eating it) brings up so many feelings - is it "safe" to eat? if I eat it then what do I need to do? By tuning out the ED voice - it really is just a tasty piece of fruit.
I'M STILL HERE; LET'S TALK
8"x 8" mixed media acrylic on canvas
$48.00 US plus shipping
Getting to know my “shadow self” - that part of myself that I don’t like to think that I have - angry, jealous. Recovery is easier when I befriend her and get curious about her needs. Have you tried it?
FLAMING FOREST OF EMOTIONS
9" x 12" mixed media on canvas
Limited edition prints available
Note: bottom of image is currently not visible.
Those of us on a recovery journey know we need to dig deep and, you know what, it's scary. Learning to welcome those emotions (anger, fear, rejection) - this is the image that came to mind for me. How about you?
BRING IT ON.
8" x 8" mixed media acrylic on canvas
Limited edition prints available
I am listening to "unstoppable" by Sia. That song fires me up. It has been my mantra throughout this recover journey. Recovery is hard work. It is rewarding, of course, and yet at times it's like being this lighthouse here. Being battered with distorted thoughts about self-worth, body image, diet culture everywhere and trying to navigate through triggering events.
Do you know what I mean?
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TANGLED UP IN MY THOUGHTS
8" x 8" mixed media acrylic on canvas
Who can relate?
