Hey everyone! Welcome to my blog! This is where the path of my exploration in self-harm and art therapy will be illustrated, through both words and paint. 

Let’s start with the beginning of any art piece: inspiration. In 2024, American figure skater Gracie Gold released her memoir and described how sharing her story and having people who understand had the largest impact on her healing process from an eating disorder. Adolescents who self-harm may struggle to express themselves through words, especially with stigmas associated with self-harm like “attention-seeking” or “dramatic.” Art is not only an alternative means of self-expression, but a way to educate others on the issue. 

My project title may sound familiar. Even non-Swifties may recognize it as a popular lyric in Taylor Swift’s song “cardigan.” This blog title also comes from a famous Alessia Cara song. My goal for this project is to use art for healing. Throughout these weeks, I hope to transform a blank canvas into an intricate painting, filled with details and colors to accurately convey a depth of emotions. I’m also looking forward to working with Dr. Katherine Brazaitis, a psychiatrist located in Tucson who works in areas concerning depression, anxiety and suicide ideation. It’s been over half a year since I worked on an art piece, so I can’t wait to let the ideas of my mind flow onto a canvas with this project. I’m so excited to simply hold a paintbrush again.