Despite temperamental winter weather, including a thunderstorm and torrential rain, Wellingtonians braved the elements to visit the inaugural Art and Pain exhibition at Thistle Hall Gallery on 2-7 June. This featured works from art therapist Mara Elwood, who lives with chronic migraine and uses her impressive creative skills to describe, reflect on and help manage her pain. It was also a fundraiser, with the proceeds of art sales going to Migraine Foundation Aotearoa New Zealand.
We were delighted to see that all of Mara’s crocheted creatures, who each had unique stories of pain as well as likes and dislikes, were adopted into caring and careful homes. People also contributed to our collaborative art project, where they could attach feathers to the phoenix that represented things that supported them through experiences of pain. And lots of people tried out the chalk rubbing, where they could create a mandala to reflect what was on their mind that day. This was a calming, creative exercise that also got people talking about their feelings.
Thanks to everyone who came and supported this event. The conversations we had about living with pain made it obvious that this is an issue that needs to be talked about a lot more. There are so many people who feel unheard and invisible, but need to know they are not alone.
And many thanks to Mara Elwood for giving up her time and art! Check out Mara’s website or follow her on Instagram. She takes commissions, if you missed out!
