Episode: 19 - Mental Wellness Journey for Creative People

Episode: 19 - Mental Wellness Journey for Creative People 

Our featured guest artist Jennifer Mazur has learned to live with some of the debilitating issues associated with mental wellness through her paintings. Jennifer has developed her artistic style and attributes her creative success to learning how to refocus and rethink some of the issues that she has had during her life with mental disabilities. She shares with us today her journey into mental wellness and how she is focusing her attention on painting and creativity to overcome this disability. 

Show Notes

R: Hi everyone...And here we are...Celebrating what people love to do creatively... I’m Rod Jones 

I: And I’m Inci Jones...Welcome to the Thought Row podcast. We invite you to subscribe wherever you listen. We are available virtually anywhere you listen to your podcasts. 

R: No matter what you do creatively this is the podcast for you. 

Inci, what are we discussing today? 

I: Today we’re going to be speaking with Jennifer Mazur about her mental wellness journey for creatives and how art has helped her with her journey.  

R:  Mental wellness has become a subject that more people need to talk about candidly. I’m glad we are having this conversation today on the show. Before we start, it’s time for Inci’s quote. 

I: Okay...Our quote this week comes from a well known actress. Here is her quote: “What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor, and more unashamed conversation.” – Glenn Close

Discuss - 

I: Ok...it’s now time for our new segment which is...Rod’s Motivational Moment...what do you have for us today? 

R: Self judgement can be addictive. It kills motivation and creates anxiety to the point where you can almost not accomplish anything in your life. 

Discuss

I: Have you noticed Rod, how many people we’ve connected with over this last year through social media that openly want to discuss their mental wellness? 

R: Yes, and if anything this has turned out to be a good thing... because it allows people to openly discuss and not feel like they are all alone...dealing with the stresses of life. 

In fact, there are podcasts that specifically address mental health and wellness.

I: Yes, there are many actually, I remember hearing about one particular

Paul Gilmartin - podcast Mental Illness Happy Hour - website mentalpod.com

R: There are several out there... you can Google Paul or check out others. I’m sure you’ll find one you like if you are interested. 

I: If there is one good thing about all that we have been hearing...people are having the opportunity to vent and share their feelings. And we all can learn from what other people are going through. 

Discuss 

R: This has been some kind of year for the whole world...and hopeful something good will come out of all of this chaos. 

Discuss. 

I: If you have had the opportunity to embrace a hobby or start one, it probably has helped you. Painting seems to be one that helps people. In fact, they call it art therapy. 

Discuss

R: Let’s hear what our guest has to say about dealing with her mental wellness journey. 

R: Jennifer, welcome to the Thought Row Podcast, both Inci and I have been really looking forward to chatting with you.

I: Hi Jennifer so good to have you with us today. 

R: We actually met you through Gavriella Abekassis (aba-Ka-sis) who interviewed us. But we know that she also just interviewed you recently. I hope everyone has a chance to listen to your interview on IGTV. 

I: But we’re excited to have you here with us today Jennifer. 

R: Before we move on to our interview, we always like to ask our guests what they had for breakfast.

I: Our guest Jennifer is talking to us from Sweden today. Tell us a little bit about what it’s like where you live.

R: For quite some time... we’ve wanted to chat with someone who has faced creative challenges because of mental health. 

I: Yes, that’s very true. We know many creative people around the world that have to deal with mental health issues. Jennifer, Why do you consider yourself a "Mental Wellness artist"?

R: There are a lot of reasons people have mental issues. And it often impacts their creativity. How has it impacted your creativity?

I: How did you come to terms with the challenges and its impact on your life

R: You are best known for your art. What message are you trying to convey through your art?

I: There have been some really famous artists that have faced mental health challenges. Have you learned anything from reading their journeys? 

R: Is it okay to ask you Jennifer... When was it, that you first came to the realization that your creative life was being impacted by your mental wellness? 

I: We know many of our listeners may be dealing with mental health issues right now...what advice can you give them? 

R: Creativity is not a one size fits all...and neither is mental health. How can others use art to help them deal with their own mental health issues?

I: We often hear that art is therapy...in fact there are actually art therapy classes. Do you ever see yourself teaching others on how to use art to heal themselves?

R: I know people will have an opportunity to see some of your art on your website and social media. But can you describe your style?

I: What do you think about when you are actually creating a painting?

R: What is your creative day like?

I: How do you overcome having overwhelming feelings or thoughts when you want to paint?

R: I think we all psych ourselves out when we first start a work of art. You seem to have come up with a real solution. When did you discover your approach?

I: What steps do you take for self-care? Do you meditate or journal?

R: What is the one word of advice you would give to people that get bogged down by unproductive thinking in their lives? 

R: Where do you see yourself in five years? 

I: Ok so now we’re going to ask you a question that we ask our guests. If you could sit on a park bench and chat with anyone from the past, who would it be?

R: What do you want to be remembered by? 

I: Jennifer, this has been a very informative discussion.

R: I agree with Inci, you have been very candid in your mental wellness journey. And I hope people will learn from your experience and your creativity. 

I: Just want to let everyone know...if you want to know more about Jennifer Mazur and her artwork we will have links in the show notes and also under the show guest tab on Thought Row podcast.com. So everyone can learn more about her and connect with her on social media. 

Rod & Inci - It was great chatting with you, thank you for being a guest on the Thought Row podcast.