Development of ‘Behind The Canvas’ and fundraising
It goes without saying, art has saved me at my lowest points. Whether I have confidence and belief in my work is something else, however, it gives me a distraction which is well needed currently! Art has lessened the dominating anorexic voice I find my brain daily bombarded with. As anyone inflicted with this illness knows, the aforementioned can be overwhelming and exhausting to deal with. So, yes, art and illustration has provided me with a well needed and beneficial outlet and I can’t recommend it enough. I don’t feel good at it, but when I pick up a pencil, pen or brush my mind wanders away from the ambushed attacks of anorexia and I start to feel more relaxed. My vision of ‘Behind The Canvas’ has always been to explore the connection of art and its power to help one escape the pressures and stresses of daily life, whatever they may be. As previously said, whilst someone may paint and present a masterpiece, there can be so much more going on behind that canvas. Like a tapestry, behind the beauty created lies knots, time, mistakes, maybe tears and doubt. But the final result can appear beautiful and seamless. This metaphor makes sense in my head, probably not in this ramble!
Given my waffling nature, I’m trying to avoid a brain dump where I go off on a tangent. Don’t worry, the rambles will probably occur at later dates within other blog posts I plan to patch together that explore the less ‘presentable’ sides of recovery. I wanted to give detail in this post on my hopes and ambitions for ‘Behind the canvas’ in helping others in recovery, albeit in a small way, and also helping an important cause where I can.
On my (slowly developing) website, you will find a page under the shopping page with digital downloads. At a small cost, I plan to sell these illustrations I make. They will range from inspirational quotes to reasons why you should face foods that may be feared. I find personally the science behind food and nutrition helps me combat thoughts during meal times, and a visual prompt can sometimes be beneficial in helping someone struggling through. Your mind may feel overwhelmed with negative connotations we absorb through different media platforms, advertisements and so on… if your eating disorder can find a reason not to have something, in my experience it will take it and run! But each food brings nutrients to our bodies, and any food is safer than the false control and promises of anorexia. So, please take a look at my downloads available and also send me recommendations as to what foods you would like to see doodled! Additionally, I plan to do quotes, again with the intention for you to print and potentially have as a helpful flashcard to see you through the day battling this illness. With each download, 50% of the cost will be donated to BEAT eating disorder charity. My way of giving back and helping in a small way. So, keep an eye out for downloads, print them off and keep them handy if helpful! Please also send me recommendations of things you would find helpful on cards. I would love to hear your views!
So, an exciting new project awaits me, which I hope in turn can help others. Keep battling on, fighting this immensely hard battle and remember you are never alone. The tough days do pass, as does guilt, and you are more capable than you know. Cringey, and I NEVER thought I would be a person writing out quotes, but sometimes we all need a little bit of cheese. Or a lot of cheese. Melted, grated, or metaphorical. Cheese is never bad.
