I was behind my teaching easel midway through one of the painting classes I lead when I looked around the room at my students and noticed one, in particular:
Red eyes, tears gently rolling down her cheeks, paintbrush in motion.
She was crying. Her tears were silent; almost easy to miss.
Having heard her story during our intros earlier in the class, I immediately recognized these tears:
Tears of release. Of healing. Of joy, gently prodding its way out of her.
This particular student went to art school 20 years ago, where she was told by a professor that she was never going to make it as an artist. That feedback changed the trajectory of her life—she switched her major, going down a different track that took her into a profession in health and healing.
But on this particular Tuesday, paintbrush in hand, she was reminded that she is an artist. And with every brushstroke, she regained her sense of self.
It would take more than our hours together, but her journey to healing her broken heart got its initial spark that night as she released years of external messages and ingrained beliefs.
I’ve had the privilege of witnessing this healing time and again.
Of seeing women who’ve heard different forms of the same message…
That they are not an artist. That art isn’t a worthwhile pursuit. That creativity is child’s play.
…suddenly be reminded of the healing power of art.
The healing that took place that night was felt by the whole class, and it has no doubt created a ripple effect—one I’ve talked about before.
Art is energy. Art is peace. Art is love.
And through art, there is healing.
There’s healing in the creation of it. There’s healing in the consumption of it.
As we enter a time of year where the leaves are falling—a subtle message from the trees that it’s okay to let go—I invite you to release the voice in your head that’s holding you back from the healing you’re capable of.
And if you’re open to it, let art be your guide.
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P.S. I've long said: Art is an active piece of the room it lives in. I’d like to think every single painting I’ve shared or sold brings light and healing from whatever wall it adorns.
It’s my mission to bring my art to as many homes/offices/gathering places as possible, where my paintings can spread light, take on new stories, and help others heal.
With that in mind, I'm gifting you 50% off any of the paintings in my Shop to use between now and the end of 2024. Just enter the code HEAL to redeem it.
If you have someone in your life who could use a little more light; someone you want to express gratitude for; someone you want to help heal...
I would love it if you'd consider gifting them a piece of my art.
I know it to be true: When you look at a piece of art, you can be taken away. You get the opportunity to write your own story. Everyone deserves this experience.
And if you truly cannot afford a painting but still want to spread light and healing to someone in your life, please email me at cindy@harrisstudios.com and we'll make it happen.
My only ask is this: After you've gifted your art, please send me a note sharing the story of who you gifted it to and the impact it's had. 💛