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How Painting The Sea Helped Me Survive My Depression (13 Pics)
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How Painting The Sea Helped Me Survive My Depression (13 Pics)

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I’m Jane Spooner an artist from Gloucestershire in the UK. I’ve always been creative and art has always been a big part of my life – it’s a form of self-care and healing for me. When I’m feeling hopeless, depressed, or anxious, painting is one way that I can calmly be with those feelings and accept myself. Nature is at the heart of my work, and how I connect with the natural world. My chosen medium is encaustic, made with natural materials like beeswax, tree resin and colour pigments; it’s more sustainable. The unpredictable nature of encaustic is what makes it so intriguing to me as an artist. The material has a unique beauty and character that makes every painting unique in its own way, just like the people who create them!

I was drawn to painting the sea as it was how felt, lost in an emotional sea. The deep blue hues called to me, and I knew that I needed to express what I was feeling somehow. The act of painting itself was therapeutic, and as I worked through my emotions on the canvas, I slowly began to feel better. The final product was something that I was really proud of, and I have a few pieces now hanging in my home as a reminder that even on my darkest days, there is hope.

More info: janespoonerartist.com | Instagram | tiktok.com | Facebook | pinterest.co.uk

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    Why art is important for mental health?

    Creating art has always been a form of self-care for me. When I’m feeling down or stressed out, painting is one of the ways that I can calm myself down and be with my emotions. It’s a form of meditation, and it allows me to process what’s going on in my head in a creative way.

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    I think that art is important for mental health for a few reasons. First of all, it’s a form of self-expression. When we’re going through tough times, we often bottle up our emotions because we don’t want to burden others with our problems. But when we keep everything inside, it can lead to explosive anger or depression. Art gives us an outlet to express what we’re feeling in a safe and healthy way.

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    Secondly, art is a form of mindfulness. When we’re focused on creating something beautiful, we’re not focused on our stressors or worries. We’re present in the moment, and that can be incredibly calming for our mental state. And finally, art is a way to connect with others. When we share our artwork with others, we’re opening up about ourselves in a way that can create meaningful connections with others who understand us.

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    If you’re struggling with your mental health, I encourage you to find an outlet that works for you. For me, that outlet is painting; but for you, it could be anything from writing to cooking to hiking. The important thing is that you find something that brings you joy and peace in your darkest moments; something that helps you remember that there is hope; something that makes you feel alive again.

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    Jane Spooner

    Jane Spooner

    Author, Community member

    Read more »

    When I paint, it's like my spirit becomes one with the canvas. There are no boundaries or limits to what can be expressed when you're in a state of flow during the art-making process; all thoughts disappear and only pure feeling remains a sense that anything could happen because life itself is an adventure!

    Read less »
    Jane Spooner

    Jane Spooner

    Author, Community member

    When I paint, it's like my spirit becomes one with the canvas. There are no boundaries or limits to what can be expressed when you're in a state of flow during the art-making process; all thoughts disappear and only pure feeling remains a sense that anything could happen because life itself is an adventure!

    Diana Lopetaitė

    Diana Lopetaitė

    Moderator, BoredPanda staff

    Read more »

    Hey there, Pandas! My name is Diana (though some prefer to refer to me as Diane, Deanna, and even Liana sometimes), and I am a Community Post Moderator Lead for Bored Panda. As my position title states, I am one of the people (employed Pandas for bamboo) over here who work with the community side of things on this website to ensure all is well, and while at that, I also help various creators and artists get recognition for the incredible work they do by connecting them to a large worldwide audience. Other than that, outside of work, you can find me brewing a nice cup of coffee, making a pizza from scratch, or baking brownies. I also love traveling, concerts, and cats (heavy on that, because I am a cat mom).

    Read less »

    Diana Lopetaitė

    Diana Lopetaitė

    Moderator, BoredPanda staff

    Hey there, Pandas! My name is Diana (though some prefer to refer to me as Diane, Deanna, and even Liana sometimes), and I am a Community Post Moderator Lead for Bored Panda. As my position title states, I am one of the people (employed Pandas for bamboo) over here who work with the community side of things on this website to ensure all is well, and while at that, I also help various creators and artists get recognition for the incredible work they do by connecting them to a large worldwide audience. Other than that, outside of work, you can find me brewing a nice cup of coffee, making a pizza from scratch, or baking brownies. I also love traveling, concerts, and cats (heavy on that, because I am a cat mom).

    What do you think ?
    Add photo comments
    POST
    Jode P
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Love stormy seas!!!!......your artwork brings me joy and takes me back to memories of being warm and cosy while watching the waves crashing up on the rocks. You're very talented! Long may you continue to find peace in your work

    Claire Hollinshead
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Jane Spooner your artwork is spectacular. You can truly imagine you are with the sea when you look at your paintings! Shopping on your website is a treat & a joy! Amazing!

    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I still find it amazing how art can transport you to a different place.🤩 Thank you for taking a look at my website, it means a lot to me.

    Load More Replies...
    Jenny Burton
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I find myself mesmerised by your art. The emotion that you have expressed with dark and light notes. The swirls of thoughts splayed across the canvas. Every time I see new aspects, new ideas and new thoughts. Can’t wait to see what else you have created.

    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I am so pleased my art captivates you, and that you can see my thoughts swirling across the canvas, rather than them swirling in my mind.😍

    Load More Replies...
    Ruth Germain
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow what incredible paintings - love that you can find a way to soothe your mind through expression like this - and the end results are AMAZING 🤩

    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thank you so much, when I paint it really does soothe my mind. I am so pleased I have this outlet, in such a crazy, noisy world. If I had one wish, it would be for others to find the thing that that brings them joy and peace.

    Load More Replies...
    Liz Harkin
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Any form of self expression when feeling down is a good thing. Your art is beautiful and a window to the soul.

    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thank you, art has really helped with the healing process. It is so important for everyone to express their selves in which ever way talking to their soul.

    Load More Replies...
    Daaaaaaaaaaa
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These are stunning! It's incredible how so much beautiful art doesn't get recognised yet so much dross, does. Can one purchase a print?

    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hi, I am so pleased you like my work 😍. I have originals, prints and cushions available to purchase on my website. With free shipping within the UK, but if you are outside the UK just send me a message as iI would need to work the shipping.

    Load More Replies...
    harpling
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You are very talented. I've never heard of encaustic before; it looks really neat! Your artworks look like they're moving, as if the water is still flowing around. Is encaustic three dimensional? I'm glad you've found a form of expression that helps you feel better. Looking at your work makes me feel better, too!

    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hi, Oh thank you so much for the lovely comments. Encaustic can have texture, what I love most about it is it luminosity, which you can really see on the reels, I have over on Instagram.When I am creating, it feels like am flowing with the painting/water. I

    Load More Replies...
    Jode P
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Love stormy seas!!!!......your artwork brings me joy and takes me back to memories of being warm and cosy while watching the waves crashing up on the rocks. You're very talented! Long may you continue to find peace in your work

    Claire Hollinshead
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Jane Spooner your artwork is spectacular. You can truly imagine you are with the sea when you look at your paintings! Shopping on your website is a treat & a joy! Amazing!

    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I still find it amazing how art can transport you to a different place.🤩 Thank you for taking a look at my website, it means a lot to me.

    Load More Replies...
    Jenny Burton
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I find myself mesmerised by your art. The emotion that you have expressed with dark and light notes. The swirls of thoughts splayed across the canvas. Every time I see new aspects, new ideas and new thoughts. Can’t wait to see what else you have created.

    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I am so pleased my art captivates you, and that you can see my thoughts swirling across the canvas, rather than them swirling in my mind.😍

    Load More Replies...
    Ruth Germain
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow what incredible paintings - love that you can find a way to soothe your mind through expression like this - and the end results are AMAZING 🤩

    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thank you so much, when I paint it really does soothe my mind. I am so pleased I have this outlet, in such a crazy, noisy world. If I had one wish, it would be for others to find the thing that that brings them joy and peace.

    Load More Replies...
    Liz Harkin
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Any form of self expression when feeling down is a good thing. Your art is beautiful and a window to the soul.

    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thank you, art has really helped with the healing process. It is so important for everyone to express their selves in which ever way talking to their soul.

    Load More Replies...
    Daaaaaaaaaaa
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These are stunning! It's incredible how so much beautiful art doesn't get recognised yet so much dross, does. Can one purchase a print?

    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hi, I am so pleased you like my work 😍. I have originals, prints and cushions available to purchase on my website. With free shipping within the UK, but if you are outside the UK just send me a message as iI would need to work the shipping.

    Load More Replies...
    harpling
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You are very talented. I've never heard of encaustic before; it looks really neat! Your artworks look like they're moving, as if the water is still flowing around. Is encaustic three dimensional? I'm glad you've found a form of expression that helps you feel better. Looking at your work makes me feel better, too!

    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hi, Oh thank you so much for the lovely comments. Encaustic can have texture, what I love most about it is it luminosity, which you can really see on the reels, I have over on Instagram.When I am creating, it feels like am flowing with the painting/water. I

    Load More Replies...
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