Art and MS

[ARTravTomato]

Hi. I'm newly diagnosed with R/R MS, but have had increasing symptoms for years. Still wrapping my head around all of that.

I work as an artist and an art teacher. It's been cool to see how making things has helped my adult students feel less stressed and find new, welcoming communities. I'm not an art therapist at all, but having the opportunity to work with people with PTSD has shown me how the act of making with others is healing.

Years ago was the beginning of so many different doctors visits, tests, etc. for me. I started sketching all the waiting rooms and offices for every visit, which helped me to stay calm and more objective. Another artist friend of mine was supporting their partner through an ongoing medical experience, so we made an art exhibit out of it, which was very validating and cathartic.

Does anyone find that creative expression helps them? Or, if anyone wants some ideas of where to start, I'm happy to offer what I can!

[Xvettech]

that is great art! I love art and music. Making things makes me smile :). I hope you keep smiling through all the temoil

[whwiechm in reply to Xvettech]

For me, it is music, both singing and listening. I believe it helps all of us to find something to "hang our hat on" so to speak, to escape our sad condition and find joy.

[carolek572 CommunityAmbassador]

Welcome to the forum, ARTravTomato . You have a gift! I find that my quilting helps me tremendously. I encourage anyone to find something that they enjoy. You can visit mymsaa.org and look for the MSAA Artist Showcase. Perhaps you can enter in the contest to have your art displayed. I look forward to hearing more from you.

[ARTravTomato in reply to carolek572]

I love seeing people's quilts. Every year at the county fair one of my favorite things is to see all of the amazing quilts! Thank you for the warm welcome, and I will check out the artist showcase.

[carolek572 CommunityAmbassador in reply to ARTravTomato]

You’re welcome, ARTravTomato 🤗

[hopeandgrace]

Beautiful- both the artwork and your outlook!

[erash]

Definitely! my MS vanishes when I paint and draw.

[ARTravTomato in reply to erash]

With my shaky hands I don't know that mine goes away, lol, but it definitely makes me feel good. What kind of things do you like to paint and draw?

[felafelbowl]

Also I take photos of flower s which lifts my spirits. I write poetry which helps.

[erash]

my art is eclectic. Whatever strikes me…landscapes, people, animals, abstract

You should enter the mssa art show next year. The call for art is usually around autumn. If you enter, you get in 😉 not a contest

[ARTravTomato in reply to erash]

Keeping creativity open to all types of art is so much better than putting a limit on what you can make!

[falalalala]

Nice painting

Yep! It always has. MS just added some new challenges to it like holding a brush or a potter's rib. Then I think of the movie "My Left Foot" and I shut up.....but only for a second.🤣🤣

[AquaZumbaFan]

Welcome to the forum! Your sketches sound really great and I love the one that you shared! I’m not particularly artistic, but I love planting flowers, mixing and matching different of flowers and colors.. and taking lots of pictures of not only the flowers but the things around me that bring me joy.. family, granddog and dear friends

[ARTravTomato in reply to AquaZumbaFan]

I love gardens, & landscapes are absolutely a creative endeavor! And one that benefits the bees & butterflies, too. It's so good to surround ourselves with things we love.

[twooldcrows]

congratulations on finding ways to help others and in the mean time has helped you also....this is so great ...my husband has ptsd and anything that can help them is wonderful ...i would love to find something that would help him for he has so much angry in him it is terrible ..at least i think that is where it is coming from plus the fact of all of the bs in the stuff that he has and is going thru from being in the service and viet nam..i know the doctors are trying to help but i think they are way behind what is really going on with anyone that has served ...they change doctors so much is also a problem for one gets to know him and then he has a new one and then another it just keeps going on ...i am sorry about telling you all of this but this is why i think what you are doing for them is so great ...like i said CONGRATULATIONS ...love and happiness for you and all that you are helping ...so great ...when we can focus on others our problems aren't not as bad ....i just really get flustered with him for he doesn't want to do much ...just very frustrating ....loves to you for what you are doing ....

[lbenmaor]

Your artwork is great! Welcome to our group😀Leslie

[stepsforNeeC]

Yes, I can draw a little, but interior design is my passion!!!! I love transforming a room, house any space! What’s really fun is using things you already have in a different way!!! My sons and granddaughter are very talented. Be blessed and enjoy the your weekend. Happy Easter

[stepsforNeeC in reply to stepsforNeeC]

Your work is amazing!

[Helpmeup]

Hi ARTravTomato, and welcome! Thanks so much for sharing that beautiful artwork. It's a wonderful piece! Look forward to hearing more and seeing more from you!

[Mayzee12]

I love the art picture and I always felt artist is an inspiration. I have always wish I could learn to paint but I wouldn't know where to start