unspoken truths collection
This collection of paintings tell my story of how I was feeling throughout an unexpectedly long rehabilitation following surgery on my pelvis. I used art to express exactly how I was feeling at the time and also to say out loud on canvas what I thought and felt about certain things.
I used the creative process to work through things that happened during my rehabilitation and to offload negative emotions. I had my operation in May 2015. I saw occupational health about starting back at work in October 2015. She suggested I spoke to a counsellor as I needed to change my mindset. I was trying to rush the healing process and was pushing my body too hard.
I wasn’t prepared emotionally or mentally for the long journey of healing. I didn’t realise how isolating it would be and just how much I would have to rely on people. I pushed myself too hard to heal quickly. This just led to intense pain flare ups, fatigue and negativity.
I was fed up with my situation, my body and my life. I started talking to a counsellor in October 2015. She suggested different things to keep me calm and pass the time while rehabilitating. As I used to paint, she suggested I paint how I feel. I had never done this before. I really struggled to put my feelings and emotions into words. I realised that I never outwardly show my true emotions. It was very challenging to go into the deep corners of my mind and to address what was going on in there. Self exploration took courage, solitude and time. I had time on my hands.