Latest news with #arttherapy
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Kyiv exhibition helps relieve stress of war
Virtual sunrises, a giant sculpture of a purring cat and a soundproof booth you can scream into -- the installations at Kyiv's "Third Wind" exhibition may seem like a bit of light-hearted fun. But for the show's organisers, among them leading psychologists and mental health experts, the art has a very serious purpose: to help Ukrainians de-stress and explore their emotions after three years of war. Russia's invasion has triggered a mental health crisis in Ukraine, with more than half of respondents to a recent survey feeling "anxiety and tension". If only for a brief moment, the installations offer visitors a much-needed mental break from the war and help them "release tension, cry or smile a little", said curator Yulia Solovey. "Above all, it's about giving people the strength to keep moving forward," she told AFP. The exhibition has proven wildly popular, with nearly 100,000 people visiting within the space of a month. Among them was 41-year-old resident Inna Purgan, who came seeking a "return to childhood" after a weekend of Russian strikes. "It was very stressful, I couldn't sleep because of the drones and explosions," she told AFP. After letting out a high-pitched scream in a soundproof booth, one of the interactive experiences, she said she felt a little better. "It makes you feel lighter!" she said with a smile. The exhibition's name is a play on "second wind", a burst of energy experienced during moments of exhaustion. It is a feeling many Ukrainians relate to in their fourth year of war, with the exhibition inviting visitors to answer the question "What helps me move forward?", said Solovey. - 'Shut down emotionally' - According to state-backed mental health organisation "Ti Yak", which means "How are you?", Russia's war and its challenges remain the number one source of psychological stress for Ukrainians. Theatre worker Anastasia Storozhenko and her husband Viktor, a soldier in the military, are no exception. "It's really hard if you don't try to escape to another reality," said 31-year-old Anastasia. The couple were actors, and much of their work before the war revolved around emotions. Wearing a virtual reality headset transporting them to the Himalayas, she and her husband smiled ear to ear at the exhibit. The young mother said she reminded herself she had to keep living, if not for herself, then for her child. But Viktor has struggled to express his emotions since he joined the military. "I've shut down emotionally," he said. Surrounded by colourful decor, laughter and music, he started smiling. "It helps a lot, life continues... emotions... And no more boom boom," he tried to explain, imitating missile blasts. Nearby, other visitors were learning dance moves, while others embraced in front of a screen displaying a sunrise -- meant to symbolise hope. Half of the proceeds from the tickets will go to an NGO making prosthetics for veterans who have amputations, the organisers said. Once the exhibition ends, its installations will be moved to rehabilitation centres for soldiers and civilians recovering from trauma. - 'Childish state' - On a black wall, visitors were invited to draw colourful chalk messages. "I'm alive", "I feel my heart beating", "Welcome to Ukraine-controlled territory" and a few swear words scribbled by children were among them. Wearing rubber boots, army rehabilitation worker Natalya Novikova and her husband Vadym splashed around in puddles of water in one of the rooms. "You can stop feeling the pressure of being an adult for a moment," said Vadym, catching his breath before reverting to seriousness to scold children who splashed him. Both come from Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine -- Vadym is from Sevastopol in the annexed Crimean peninsula, Natalya from the eastern Donetsk region. Natalya left her native Donetsk region in 2014, when Moscow-backed separatists fomented an uprising in the area. She had resettled in Bucha, where Russian troops were accused of committing war crimes in early 2022. The heavy emotional toll of the war was lifted, albeit briefly, by the exhibition, she said. She said it brought her into "an animal, childish state." "I didn't expect it to do much to me, but actually it's amazing." fv-brw/cad/giv
Cosmopolitan ME
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan ME
Number Artist: The art kit that's totally worth the time
Ever thought about how much time you waste scrolling mindlessly? Maybe it's time to make your downtime work for you with Number Artist. In a world where time seems to slip away with endless to-do lists and digital distractions, Number Artist offers the perfect antidote: a creative wellness escape that doesn't require hours or special skills. Forget the typical wellness trends that demand endless commitment. Number Artist is here to redefine how we spend our free time, offering a simple, luxurious, and satisfying way to relax and create something beautiful. 'I didn't expect much, but now I can't stop painting. It's like therapy in a box,' says one user. The kind of therapeutic break you've been longing for is finally here. Number Artist offers you a creative escape that gives you mental clarity and artistic satisfaction, all while taking less than an hour of your time. A New Way to Escape the Chaos In today's world, where every moment is filled with hustle and distraction, there's something special about the mindful simplicity that Number Artist's custom paint by number kits offer. It's not just another way to kill time—it's a luxury wellness ritual that allows you to unwind and find peace, all while creating something meaningful. Whether you're painting a picture of your pet, a favourite vacation spot, or a loved one, this creative process is about more than just the result; it's about finding calm. 'I painted a picture of my dog for my mom. It wasn't just about the painting—it was a way to remember her. It was healing,' shares another Number Artist user. These kits provide the opportunity to relive memories while engaging in a creative process that promotes mental wellness. What makes Number Artist unique? It's not just the high-quality paints or the professional-grade canvas. It's the experience – the joy of creating something from nothing, while finding calm and mental clarity. The simplicity of these kits is their brilliance. Whether you're creating a custom portrait, a serene landscape, or a pet portrait, you don't need to be an artist to experience the therapeutic release that comes with it. 'The process is relaxing. I love how my kit turned out. It's definitely been a rewarding experience,' says another customer, summing up what so many find with Number Artist: creative satisfaction without the stress. More Than Just Painting—It's a Wellness Ritual We all know the pressure of chasing the next 'wellness trend.' But what if self-care could be as easy as picking up a brush and watching your stress melt away? That's the power of Number Artist. It's not just about painting; it's about experiencing the calming effects of creativity, one brushstroke at a time. 'I've gifted these to friends, and they're obsessed with how therapeutic and fun they are,' says another user. 'It's the perfect self-care gift. Highly recommend it.' Whether you're using it to unwind after a chaotic day or just looking for a creative escape, these kits offer a luxurious, personalized way to unwind. So why is Number Artist totally worth your time? Because it's not just another fleeting trend. It's a wellness ritual that delivers real relaxation and creative fulfilment without the commitment or overwhelm of other options. 'It's relaxing and fun. I'm not an artist, but these kits make me feel like one. It's a great way to unwind and get in touch with my creative side,' says another satisfied customer. Whether you're a busy professional, a parent, or just someone looking to reclaim a little peace, Number Artist gives you the time and space to focus on something that's all about you. Just creative freedom and the luxury of relaxation. ITP Media Group newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.
ABC News
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- ABC News
Caley Ashpole grieves future after terminal breast cancer diagnosis
Queensland mum Caley Ashpole is grieving her future after she was diagnosed with aggressive and terminal breast cancer on Christmas Eve last year. With no road map to navigating her grief, Mrs Ashpole, 40, has turned to art. The mother knows she will likely never see her pre-teen boys graduate from school, secure their first jobs, fall in love, or start families of their own. But she imagines her paintings lining the walls of their homes as memories of her fill the chambers of their hearts. For now, her boys, Ike, 12, and Moss, 10, remain unaware of their mother's death sentence, and she and her husband Bradley strive to preserve the joy of their childhood. Mrs Ashpole undergoes weekly chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments at Sunshine Coast University Hospital. The already petite artist has lost 10 kilograms along with her hair. The treatment has caused digestion issues, fatigue and ongoing brain fog. So when her doctor said she needed something beautiful to meditate on during treatment, she turned to painting. "It helps my mind just switch off," she said. "I'm in the present but I'm not thinking, I'm not stressing, I'm not worrying." And her work is being noticed. It featured in the March edition of British Vogue. "Some of it is pretty monochromatic and moody and other times it's exuberant with life and colour," husband Bradley Ashpole said. Mrs Ashpole said working on her art was "soothing" and eased the weight of her diagnosis. "It's a really comfortable feeling. There's joy there," she said. "A lot of my artwork is inspired by our trips to the beach." Collecting seashells is a nostalgic tradition for the Ashpole family. "When it all hangs by a thread you think, 'I wish I could have another family dinner or take another beach walk,'" Mr Ashpole said. Those precious seaside artefacts line the cabinets and shelves of their family home. "It's those little moments of looking up to the sunlight through the palm trees," Mr Ashpole said. Perched back on the squeaky, white sand, watching her husband and boys play in the water, and taking in the picturesque beaches, is a memory Mrs Ashpole can never get enough of. A moment she wants to last forever. Mr Ashpole, 37, said he knew he was going to marry his wife from the moment he met her. More than 13 years ago, Mr Ashpole was studying commerce in Sydney when Caley walked into a church event. They built a life together first in Mount Isa before moving late last year to the Sunshine Coast to be closer to family. But in the final weeks of December, the couple found an abnormal lump in Mrs Ashpole's breast. On Christmas Eve, Mrs Ashpole's doctor called. They knew it was cancer, but not much more, so the family put on brave faces and continued with Christmas celebrations. In early January, the couple's worst nightmare was confirmed. Mrs Ashpole's cancer had metastasised. It was stage four. The cancer was in her bones. It had crept into her torso, hip, spine and the base of her skull. She was told she had about three years to live. "My mind went straight to the kids," Mrs Ashpole said. Before meeting her husband Mrs Ashpole didn't want children. But now they're her whole world. "I liked working and being independent, saw my sisters struggle as a single mum and saw how hard motherhood was," she said. "But I just loved him [Mr Ashpole] so much that I wanted more of him. "I never expected I could love someone so much. Then we had Ike and never expected we could love him so much, so wanted to give him a sibling, so we had Moss. "Now they're my everything and I can't imagine life without them." The boys know their mum has cancer. They don't know it's terminal. Mrs Ashpole said she hoped her paintings one day provided solace and inspiration to her husband and sons. "I want to be remembered as someone who doesn't give up," Mrs Ashpole said. "That's what they know me as and I cling onto that. "I think it's one of the most meaningful things that you can give someone, your talent and time. "Especially when your time is maybe limited. It's precious." Cancer Council Queensland senior psychologist Jacqui de la Rue said "anticipatory grief" often followed a terminal diagnosis. "They grieve the Christmas Days they won't have, or the birthdays or significant events," she said. "They will look ahead to a life that terminal cancer has taken from them and will experience grief for those future losses. "I always say that there is no one way to grieve but there is only one road — and that is through it. "Talking to a psychologist is just one way of working through grief. Recent research is showing that creative outlets can reduce anxiety, depression and pain as well as [create] a significant increase in wellbeing." Mr Ashpole said he was heartbroken at losing his "other half" but must find a way to go on. "I was devastated and trying to find the strength to be the support for everyone else," he said. "We want to remain hopeful that we'll be able to navigate through this and find a cure and find a treatment that will extend her life." Mr Ashpole said feelings of grief came in waves. "Life doesn't pause with you, it demands your responsibilities, your finances," he said. "And so you just have to wipe your eyes and keep working and you feel conflicted because you want to spend more time with each other but she's unable to work so you have to pick up a second job and work harder. "It's tough. Mr Ashpole said having children magnified everything. "They will be able to look back, as adults, then privy to the knowledge and with a greater sense of maturity, and have perhaps a deeper sense of respect and appreciation for what we've tried to preserve and tried to help them enjoy, which is their childhood," he said. "It's fleeting."
The Guardian
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
‘I was sure salvation lay in art': Marina Otero on death, dance and mental illness
Long ago, Marina Otero decided she would film her life until she dies, as part of an attempt to understand her pain and her preoccupation with death. 'I was sure that salvation lay in art,' she says. So when she suffered a mental breakdown in 2022, the Argentinian choreographer decided to keep recording. 'It seemed interesting to me, recording the darkest parts of a person,' Otero tells Guardian over Zoom from Madrid, where she is based. Her breakdown had several causes, she says: 'The cliche of the midlife crisis, coupled with unstable travel and a relationship with a narcissistic man, which exacerbated my longstanding dependence on men and fear of loneliness.' Afterwards, she was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. Otero drew on her breakdown footage to create Kill Me, her show about 'madness for love' (or, as she puts it, 'locura por amor'), coming to Australia in June as part of Melbourne's Rising festival. In it, she and four female dancers – each with their own experiences of mental illness – share stories and re-enact painful experiences, in what Otero describes as an 'attempt to poetise mental disorder'. Otero has also incorporated biographical details about love and mental illness from other women she knows. It's more playful than it sounds: there's nude dance numbers, rollerskating and an eclectic soundtrack that ranges from Bach to Miley Cyrus. In one sequence, the four dancers strut the stage nude except for white boots and knee pads, wielding plastic pistols: on a mission to kill romantic love before it kills them. Otero says the decision to cast four women was an ironic comment on the 'mad woman' cultural trope. Each woman was required to have a 'relationship' with a personality disorder in real life; some have their own psychiatric diagnoses. In the show, Otero jokes that she and the dancers together embody the DSM (the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Association). Meanwhile, a male dancer channels the spirit of the Russian ballet virtuoso Vaslav Nijinsky, who had schizophrenia. 'His megalomania, which has to do with someone who believes they're special, who is God and speaks to God, that relationship fascinated me,' Otero says. 'I reinvent Nijinsky in the play, that his problem was an excess of love, and excess led to death.' Kill Me, which premiered in France in 2024, is part of Otero's ongoing autobiographical art project Recordar para vivir (Remember to Live), which she has described as 'an endless work about my life in which I am my own object of research'. Kicking off in 2012 with Andrea, the story of a woman who 'danced her whole life to avoid talking about certain things', the body of work has often drawn on Otero's personal archive of footage, as the dancer worked out her traumas and neuroses on stage. Within the Remember to Live cycle, Kill Me is the final instalment of a trilogy of works exploring personal transformation, following Fuck Me (2020) and Love Me (2022). 'Each work somehow confronts me with a way of self-destruction,' Otero says. In Fuck Me, Otero delved into the connection between her family history and Argentina's military dictatorship in the 70s and 80s. Otero's grandfather, who died when she was 15, had been a naval intelligence officer during that era. 'He had told me that there are 'secrets that are kept until death', a phrase he repeated to me many times, and that phrase was the seed of the play,' she says. While she was developing Fuck Me, Otero underwent spinal surgery that left her unable to move, leading her to cast five male dancers to take her place – all playing military seamen and completely nude. The experience inflected the work in more profound ways, too: '[In the show] I make a link between my grandfather's secrets, what was hidden in my family, and the paralysis of the body,' she says. In her solo work Love Me, which premiered in Buenos Aires 'as a farewell to the country', Otero returned to the stage, speaking about the impact of the spinal operation on her sex and love life. In Kill Me, the dancer turned choreographer and director cuts a middle path, appearing on stage but also enlisting the help of other dancers. Having struggled to walk just a few years ago, Otero, now 41, says she is feeling fit again; while she can't yet dance again, she is doing boxing training each day in preparation for her next 'very ambitious and very complex project' (under wraps for now). Unsure at this stage whether she will be able to dance in the work, she says, 'I will be putting my body to work in some way'. Having left Argentina to seek new adventures and meet new people, she is also unsure if she will ever return, given attacks on freedom of speech by far-right president Javier Milei. '[He's] a horror … he's destroying everything,' she says. In the meantime, Otero continues to embrace the artistic possibilities of doubt: 'Whatever happens to me, I'm going to question everything,' she says. 'The most important thing for me is that the pieces transform me and take me to another place, to another life experience.' Kill Me is playing at the Sumner Southbank theatre, Melbourne, from 5-8 June as part of the Rising festival
CBS News
16-05-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Bay Area mother turns pain into art on Mental Health Action Day
OAKLAND — We don't always get to choose the name we carry, but sometimes, if you're lucky, you grow into it. On a quiet morning in May, as she labored over her latest masterpiece, Theresa Fortune was finally living up to hers. "This piece is everything about life, love and joy and opportunity and color," Fortune said. All of those things feel especially true on this particular day, as her first major work of art was about to be unveiled. Ten years ago, Fortune was broke, pregnant and in the dark, literally and figuratively. "I had actually thought about taking my life at one point because I was just in this pit hole that I wasn't able to climb out of," she said. The darkness kept closing in until one day she picked up a knife. "I thought of opening up my wrists, and I realized that that would be really messy for my child to come home to," she said. What she didn't know then was that she was facing postpartum depression, a condition that affects twice as many women of color, yet rarely gets talked about. So she grabbed a camera and started telling her story — first, in a documentary called "From the Ashes," and then in a collage called "Womban of the Earth," which shows a Black mother mid-birth. It was raw, honest, and it caught the eye of Dante Green, a senior vice president at Kaiser Permanente. "It was very inspirational to me, and it's a story we should continue to tell," Green said, which brings us to the unveiling. The piece is now being hung permanently at Kaiser in Oakland. A journey that started with a birth has now become a labor of love. "To be in partnership with them, I just have more hope," she said. If you or your loved ones are experiencing mental health issues, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988.
