In this episode of Creative Becoming, Helen and Elizabeth explore how life's unexpected disruptions can become catalysts for creativity. Elizabeth shares her progress in quieting her inner critic and finding joy in drawing flowers, while Helen reflects on how her graphic art diaries became a lifeline during some of her most challenging experiences.

Together they discuss how artists have used uncertainty, chance, and disruption as creative tools, and how adapting to unexpected circumstances can open new pathways for self-expression. The conversation also explores stimming, emotional regulation, and the ways creativity can help us navigate periods of change.

In this episode:

• Creativity through disruption and change
• Artists who embrace chance and unpredictability
• Helen's experience of creativity during a long hospital stay
• Finding creative space while away from home
• Turning setbacks into new artistic opportunities
• Understanding stimming and emotional regulation

Resources and Links

• Helen's graphic diary archive: https://arted.online/blog/diaries/
• Graphic diary template: https://arted.online/toolbox/resource-diary-template/
• The 10 Pillars of Autistic Culture: https://www.autisticculturepodcast.com/p/the-10-pillars-revisited-episode
• Information about stimming from the National Autistic Society: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/about-autism/repeated-movements-and-behaviour-stimming

Contact: creativebecomingpod@gmail.com

Support

If you are experiencing distress, please contact your GP or a relevant support service in your area.

Disclaimer

Creative Becoming is connected to Helen Shaddock's practice-based PhD, "Welcome to My Messy World": A practice-based, messy auto-ethnographic artistic exploration into multimedia storytelling as an integral method towards creative becoming.

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