Creativity and Illness – Victoria’s Good News Story
7 Comments Published by Andrew Leigh June 12th, 2008 in Barriers and Blocks, Inspiring Stories.| Creative Development for Artists, Writers and all Artistic Creativity |
It’s only a couple of months ago that I wrote about the challenges and opportunities we are faced with when illness knocks you out of your creative stride. That posting, Creativity – When Illness Strikes, was mainly about myself and my partner, Lynda, whose illness has had an impact on both of us.
But I also mentioned Victoria, who has had her own illness challenges to deal with:
One friend and colleague of mine set herself some tough creative goals at a time when she was struggling to manage a chronic illness. She developed her style and produced more work of a higher standard than she’d ever managed before. The satisfaction she gained during that difficult time was priceless.
Sad to say that her symptoms worsened to the point where even she couldn’t continue. Three years on and she’s still battling, but her creativity has been battered and, for now at least, subdued.
Victoria left a comment confirming the challenges she was facing to her creativity, but then added this:
I am wondering now, particularly prompted by Andy’s synchronistic posting, whether I can rediscover it, and I WILL be taking some (albeit small) steps every day, to do so.
Victoria’s Good News
Well, I got a phone call just now from a very chipper sounding Victoria. She did take those small steps, painting scenes from around Nether Edge in Sheffield, which is close to where she lives. And a couple of days ago she took a stall at a farmer’s market in the area and sold five paintings. That’s five paintings to five different people – a real affirmation of the quality of Victoria’s work. Not surprisingly Victoria is ecstatic that her first ever foray into selling her work could be so successful.
Victoria is still dealing with her illness, but feels that if she can do it, anyone can, bearing in mind the situation she’s been in (and is still in). She had to force herself to resume her 
art, but as she says, it seemed right even though it was difficult getting back into the swing of things. As she said in her comments though, it’s knowing when you are ready, and for the couple of years before that it wouldn’t have been right to push herself.
It was brilliant hearing the brightness and enthusiasm again in Victoria’s voice, and she deserves tremendous praise for her determination to keep hold of her creative dreams. I know our creative journeys are often disrupted by setbacks and difficulties, but let’s wish Victoria a smoother ride from now on.
Inspiration
And if you are experiencing difficulties of your own, then why not use
Victoria’s story as an inspiration to begin again – small steps, remember – but you never know where those steps can lead.
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See also: Creativity – When Illness Strikes
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Fabulous inspiration! The images in the post, which I assume are snippets of Victoria’s work, are beautiful – no wonder people snapped them up!
Thanks Rebecca. Yes, the images are of Victoria’s work – and believe me, they look even better full size – there are some wonderful details and naunces that haven’t reproduced at this small scale.
I hope Victoria’s achievement can be an inspiration to many more.
p.s – just in case other readers are wondering, there’s no relation between Rebecca and myself.
Thankyou Rebecca for your very kind words, and Andy too.
I have just tentatively started my “next” painting – it was a bit daunting !
I really hope this story can inspire others.
Best wishes to all
Victoria
Reading this story back in July was a real inspiration to me so I would like to thank you Andy, for publishing this and about your personal situation and Victoria, for the knowledge that creativity can shine through!
My Story (briefly) Is one of an artistic background, good at almost everything I put my hand to but never really finding where I want to be.
I tried Set design (which became a good business) interior design, Stately home interior restoration (again career-wise was successful), gilding, paint effects, life drawing and painting, Poetry, story writing, DTP design and editing for magazines and company literature, acting, dancing, music (okay so I am not a natural at that or singing, but it lifts my heart
) I have tried anything creative and when I am not being creative I have a hole in my life… but then 4-5 yrs ago I did the most creative thing ever – I created another life… and for 2 yrs I was exhausted, very uncreative and quite blue!
After 2 yrs I tried going out dancing again and from the strain of childbirth and a long standing back problem I was then in serious pain and put on major pain killers, which killed creativity as well as pain and I was under a cloud until I had a life changing operation. When I read Victoria’s story I was 6 mths down the road of recovery and unfortunately some signs of recurrence were showing (possibly due to the burst of creativity, rebuilding the staircase, designing and retiling three bathrooms and wallpapering my landing!) so even though I had promised myself to stay off the pain killers there came times, when I needed them and I found my mood and creativity drop.
So now, after a second op, 7 weeks into recovery I have been off pain killers for 3 weeks (most days) and I have found my flare for poetry/rhymes and writing again and I have just finished writing and illustrating 2 childrens books.
I can sympathise completely with Victoria in the trepidation of the little steps you have to take. And I am on the road to getting published (albeit taking the first few tentative ones) I am just hoping that my first leap into having the confidence that my own work is actually worth something will be as successful as Victoria’s.
Also I would like to know where Victoria exhibits? I grew up around Nether Edge and Hunters Bar and would love to come and see what looks to be superb work!
Thank you Andy, I am taking your advice and making the most of my creativity now, who knows what will happen next – it may just continue far into the future – I cannot tell, but at least I have been able to channel my creativity through some channels that are allowing me to rest and recuperate and still mean that I can remain sane!
Best wishes to anyone who finds themselves or a loved one in this situation.
Thank you again Andy for this website, which is a constant inspiration.
Vix
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Vix – thanks for a superb addition to this thread. I hope it can help encourage anyone whose health is affecting their art and creativity.
I know that Victoria has sold more paintings since July – again at her local farmers’ market and, and that another one is due very soon.
I’ll make sure she sees your comment and hopefully she can let you know some details.
You’ve also raised the idea for another post that really does need writing – the impact of parenthood!
Good luck with your writing and all your future creativity – Andy
Hi,
It was fascinating to read your post, Vix, and struck a few chords. I have to say your recovery setback did seem possibly related to building a staircase/tiling 3 bathrooms etc, its exhausting even reading about that !!! I do find though that when I feel more “recovered” I try to do as much as I can, to make the most of it, even though I have been told many times, to pace myself more – it can be such a relief to feel my “normal” self and able to be creative, that I go overboard !
Congratulations Vix on the immense progress you sound to have made, and especially on getting on the road to being published, I wish you success.
By chance, the next Farmers & Craft Market at Nether Edge is next sunday, 7th December 2008, 1200 (noon) – 4pm, when Nether Edge Road is closed to traffic. There are many stalls,food and entertainment – musicians, even belly dancers last time ! I would be thrilled if anyone was able to come along to have a look at my paintings. I am usually at the corner of Nether Edge Road and Glen Road.
Love and Best Wishes to you all
Victoria
Sorry I could not make the 7th, it was in my diary, but it was just not possible.
Please can you keep me up to date with any shows/events you attend and I will endeavour to come and see your work in person!
Vix