Art as Therapy: How Painting Helped Me Heal
In 2017, I faced one of the darkest times of my life—a period marked by deep depression. During those difficult months, I found that painting became not just a hobby, but a therapeutic outlet for my emotions. It wasn’t just about creating art; it was about expressing the pain, the frustration, and the confusion that words couldn’t capture.
I had always been drawn to creativity, but this period of struggle took me on a deeper journey. I began experimenting with abstract art, using colors and shapes to release the emotions I couldn’t put into sentences. The vibrant tones of pinks, purples, and blues I used symbolized the turbulence I was feeling, while the flow of paint on canvas became a form of self-expression I had never fully explored before.
One piece that truly marks my healing journey is a work I created in my art therapy space. I never named it, but it was an ongoing process where I painted a full shape contour of myself—both front and back—adding to it each week. Over time, the piece evolved into a representation of who I was becoming, full of colorful hearts and flowers surrounding my body, symbolizing love, growth, and renewal. Vivid veins ran across the painting, reflecting the deep, emotional shifts I was undergoing.
Around my body, I added words like “amar” (love), “sonar” (dream), “viajar” (travel), “reir” (laugh), “live life,” and “love much,” which encapsulated my deepest desires during this period of transformation. A bold phrase, “Yo Quiero, Yo Puedo Y me lo Merezco” (I want, I can, and I deserve it), became my mantra, affirming my worth and empowering me to move forward.
On the back of the painting, I included large wings with the phrase “Alas, para volar bien alto,” meaning “Wings, to fly high.” These wings symbolized my aspirations to break free from my limitations and rise above them.
This piece, painted with vibrant neon hues, became more than just an art project. It was a form of self-expression, a way for me to search for meaning when everything in my life felt uncertain. The bright colors weren't just a reflection of joy, but also a longing to connect with the world, to find peace, and to heal. This painting became my personal path to understanding that even in the darkest moments, art and color has the power to heal, restore, and guide us back to ourselves.
The Techniques That Helped Me Heal Through Art
During my recovery through painting, I experimented with different techniques and styles. It was crucial for me to find methods that allowed me to release my emotions and communicate my internal struggles in a way that felt authentic and abstract art became my most powerful outlet. I found freedom in the fluidity of shapes and colors, using bold brushstrokes to channel my emotions onto the canvas. The chaos of my feelings manifested in the wild, unrestrained movements I used to create. With each piece, I let go of past pains and frustrations, allowing the process to become a meditative release.
In 2017, I created and sold several large abstract pieces, which marked an important evolution in my art. As I sold these works, I felt my confidence grow, and with each sale, I was reminded that I was on the right path. Abstract art allowed me to express emotions that words couldn't, and in doing so, it became my therapy. The energy I poured into each stroke not only captured my struggles but also my resilience, as I transformed them into something beautiful and empowering.
Themes of Resilience and Healing in My Art
As I continued my healing journey through art, certain themes began to emerge—resilience, love, and growth. With each painting, I found ways to make sense of the chaos in my mind, turning those feelings into something tangible and meaningful. During this period, I also began teaching art classes, which added another layer to my healing process. Helping others through creativity deepened my own understanding of the healing power of art.
Many of the themes in my artwork, such as self-love, connection, and hope, reflect this universal need for healing. Art became not just my own journey but a way to connect with others, offering a space for healing and growth. Every painting I created during this time spoke not only to my personal transformation but also to the shared experience of finding strength and hope through self-expression.
Gaining Power Through Art
As I reflect on my journey through art and healing, I realize how far I've come and how much I've grown, both as an artist and as an individual. Painting became more than just a creative outlet—it became a lifeline, a way to process emotions, and a tool for understanding my inner world. The colors, shapes, and forms I used weren’t just a reflection of my struggles but also a testament to my resilience and strength.
Each painting I created helped me piece together the fragments of myself that had been shattered. Through abstract art, I found freedom and self-expression, and in the process, I healed. The act of painting was not just about making something beautiful, but about reclaiming my power, embracing vulnerability, and finding peace amidst chaos.
If you find yourself in a similar place, struggling with your own battles, I encourage you to pick up a brush or try any form of creative expression. Art, in whatever form it takes, has the power to heal and restore. It's a personal journey, but one that can lead to unexpected discoveries and deep self-understanding.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. I hope my story resonates with you and inspires you to embrace your own healing process through creativity. If this story speaks to you, I invite you to explore my art and find a piece that connects with your own emotions. Art has the power to speak when words cannot, and through it, we can all find healing.
Pao Saenz
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