Art: My Constant Friend • by Pam Garrison

Ahhh, art. Isn't it great? I have loved creating my whole life and will continue to, I'm sure. No matter what I'm into at the moment, creativity is a constant companion. To expand on that thought, I'll give an example.

Not too long ago I found myself feeling really hurt by a friend. It caught me very off guard and left me feeling unusually vulnerable. I never expected that from this particular friendship; I never saw it coming. I had thought she’d always “have my back” as they say. Someone I could count on to be true blue. But then that someone who I assumed would always be there for me was no longer. When this feeling sank in I felt a bit lost. If she wasn’t there for me as I thought, was any friend really? It was a lonely feeling.

I picked up my journal and started writing, and in doing so was struck with the realization that my creativity is a true blue friend. It is always there for me, to listen, to feed me, to soothe my soul. My art, my creativity, is one of my very best friends. It doesn’t matter whether I’m in a dry spell artistically either, because I’ve had enough of those to know that it always comes back if given the opportunity. It was very comforting that day to realize how much of a companion art is for me. To know that, no matter what, I can count on that friendship. No one can take it away from me. That’s one small way, everyday, that art saves me: I am connected and safe and loved by the friend that is my creativity.

Pam Garrison is a mixed-media artist who is passionate about creating and inspiring others to create. To learn more, visit pamgarrison.typepad.com.

Comments

[linda]

What a great post especially to encourage folks to art journal - in whatever way they want - whether it be writing or collaging or doodling... It's just about having that outlet to reflect on whatever is going on in your life that helps to "save you" in a sense. Thanks for sharing, Pam!

[shona cole]

Art as a companion! that is a unique and interesting angle. I like it. thanks for sharing.

shona cole

[julee]

i think that a lot of artists will talk about having a relationship with their art, but i haven't heard it put this way, pam. i'm thinking about it now and i realize how filled up i can be, how inspiration feels, how frustrated i can get, all feelings that you would have with a personal relationship... opportunity for growth abounds to be sure!

xoxo
jul

[Maria DeMedeiros]

My art is also my best friend, Im so alone, begining I was the only child my parents had, then I had 2 boys, and boys dont understand girls, so Im a daughter and mom alone with my art, stringing, painting, polymer claying takes me out of many troubles my mind can come across, the bad experiences with ''friends'' also have given me many headaches that arts has helped heal, so you know we are not alone, ever. ^_^

[Deb Hodge]

Pam,
Your story is also mine.
I too know the loneliness that comes with friends absence in a time of need.
I know the pain of a friends betrayel.
Not really the loss of a friend, as they really never were.....
Yes, our art is a true blue frind. Our souls are too.....
Thank you for your thoughts, as they are inspirational to me.
Blessings,
Deb Hodge

[Sandy]

I too know the same thing you felt. It's very hurtful and it takes a long time to go away. Art is always there to get these feelings out. Thanks for sharing your story.