How Arts And Crafts Help Me To Communicate And Connect To People

I’ve always struggled to express myself, especially in words. As a child, I was bullied a lot and I’ve found it difficult to connect with people. I spend a lot of time in the library rummaging trough the books (a bit like Roald Dahl’s Matilda).

A few years ago, in my late thirties, I was diagnosed with autism and depressive disorder. It finally started to make sense to me why I had such specific difficulties in life. In the following years, I learned a lot about myself in art therapy and started to develop my creativity. I met some lovely people who were willing to teach me the basics of their craft and I went on from there: exploring textile art, leather crafting, woodworking, and paper art.

I’ve learned a lot in a few years and arts and crafts have brought me so much. My work helps me to make connections: by sharing my art, giving demonstrations and sometimes teaching other people. I believe art is one of the best forms of therapy and a beautiful way to bring people together.

Merek the mandrake

How Arts And Crafts Help Me To Communicate And Connect To People

Artio

How Arts And Crafts Help Me To Communicate And Connect To People

Emile the mustache mushroom

How Arts And Crafts Help Me To Communicate And Connect To People

Garlock the garlic warlock

How Arts And Crafts Help Me To Communicate And Connect To People

Einhar from Path of Exile

How Arts And Crafts Help Me To Communicate And Connect To People

Felt swan

How Arts And Crafts Help Me To Communicate And Connect To People

Swan, handsewn replica. The original one is from the Pazyryk culture and dates back to the 5th-4th century BCE.

Freehand crocheted hat

How Arts And Crafts Help Me To Communicate And Connect To People
How Arts And Crafts Help Me To Communicate And Connect To People
How Arts And Crafts Help Me To Communicate And Connect To People

Hat inspired by Sir Terry Pratchett’s Discworld character Rincewind

How Arts And Crafts Help Me To Communicate And Connect To People

Amanita muscaria hat

How Arts And Crafts Help Me To Communicate And Connect To People

Papercut artwork

How Arts And Crafts Help Me To Communicate And Connect To People

Freehand papercut art

How Arts And Crafts Help Me To Communicate And Connect To People