Each piece in this gallery represents a moment in my healing journey. The wounds of betrayal and sexual trauma had shattered my heart and my identity. Through prayer and the healing power of creativity, Jesus has made me whole again.
The Color of Joy
Finger painting with acrylic paints on a canvas panel is one of my favorite therapeutic art activities. On the day I painted this, I was actually feeling rather sad and discouraged. I needed be distracted from my ruminating thoughts that were only deepening my discouragement so I decided to “act opposite” with paint.
I chose colors that lift my spirit and remind me of joyful moments and happiness. Becoming engaged in the process of mixing bright cheery colors into a thick background of white distracted me and cheered me up!
Drowning in My Sorrows
I drew this during a hospitalization for depression. I was just beginning to realize that my marriage was at the root of my depression.
What do you notice?
What emotions stir in you as you look at this drawing?
Can you relate to what is being expressed?
Setting My Spirit Free
Have you ever felt as though your spirit was stifled, trapped, and longing to soar free? I have. This is just one of many pieces of therapeutic art I created when the desire to set my spirit free overwhelmed me.
I think the real question that we need to ask the Lord to help us find an answer to is “what is that keeps my spirit caged?”.
Still I Rise Mixed Media
I was reflecting on Maya Angelou’s poem, “And Still I Rise”, as I considered the moments in my life, and in the lives of women I know, when it seemed that I had been knocked down for good. And, yet, by the grace of God, still here I am. I will rise and still I will rise…
Sing Praise Journal Page
I am a lousy singer but when I am alone it lifts my spirit to turn on my Jesus playlist and sing to Him. And that is what I did as I made this collage page in my art journal. This image is a reminder to myself, and now to you, that even in the midst of life’s sorrows and storms, we must life our hearts to God whose goodness and mercy are everlasting.
The Language of Tears
Tears... sorrow, joy, betrayal, love, grief, grace.... spilling from my heart, too small and weak to contain the immensity of my emotions.
Sappho, the “Poetress” of antiquity, born in 620 BC, must have also wept tears of more than salt water... tears made of the unspeakable poetry of how Beauty and Love shatter and restore the heart the same as Sorrow and Longing.
I stood my sketchbook on the easel and placed a brush full of water tinted with color gently on the eyes, I let the tears fall and run freely down the page.... as they freely flow upon my cheeks... this is the beauty of weeping... the language of tears.
Rest in His Heart
My wounded heart is healed within Jesus’ Sacred Heart. In His Wounds I am healed and made whole.
Shower of Grace
I open my hands and my heart to receive God's grace, here and now, in the sacrament of the present moment.
Mystical Rose
Mixed Media, watercolor, acrylic, and collage
The process of creating this image was a prayer. During a season of grief and a great deal of anxiety, I begged Mother Mary to please be with me continually and allow me to experience her motherly presence. I would often be sitting on the floor crying as I prayed to her, just as the woman in the picture is. I began imagining her love and the grace of God falling upon me as a shower of rose petals. I titled this piece, “Mystical Rose”, because I have always been drawn to this title of the Blessed Virgin from the Litany of Loretto.
Watching Over Me
Mixed Media on canvas, acrylic, collage, glitter
I created this as a gift for a dear friend who had walked through a time of darkness and trial alongside me. A lot of Modge Podge was used in creating this sparkling piece that represents the light a true friend can shine into the darkest moments of our lives.
Shining Spirals
Finger-painting spirals with acrylics is one of my favorite soothing and prayerful creative experiments.
The Weight of Secrets
Mixed Media, watercolor, collage
“Drowning beneath the weight of secrets in a house haunted by lies.”
Fingerprints of Love
Sharpie marker on mixed media paper
“My hand will leave fingerprints of gentleness, kindness, compassion, healing, beauty, joy.”
Marionette
Mixed media, string, wood, collage
“You controlled me like a puppet. You thought without you pulling the strings I would fall in a heap on the ground and not survive. Yet, here I am! I cut the strings that bound me to you and I am standing strong on my own two feet.”
Hope Blooms
Mixed media, acrylic on canvas, paper roses
Hope blooms from the Cross of Christ.
Discover the healing power of creativity for yourself.
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Browse the gallery of original Christian Expressive Arts activities and discover the healing power of prayerful creativity for yourself. All the ideas are free and require easily accessible materials and no artistic experience. A heart open to the Holy Spirit and a desire for greater peace and joy is required!
Get ready to bloom! 🌷
