As an artist, creating art is a way of expressing myself and sharing who I am with the world. It’s also my job. When faced with a crisis such as Cyclone Gabrielle, it can be difficult to find the motivation and inspiration to get back into my studio and create. I found myself on an emotional rollercoaster feeling guilty, frustrated and paralysed.

I know It's essential to have a resilient mindset as an artist at all times but particularly in crisis situations as opportunities are cancelled and jobs dry up.

Here are the seven things I did to get back into the studio after Cyclone Gabrielle devastated Hawke’s Bat. I'm sharing these here in case they can help another artist during a difficult time. Each of these steps will have its own timeframe. They will overlap, some are ongoing. If you have lost your home and/or studio be kind to yourself your process may be a longer journey.

I'm based in Napier and for a while we were a bit of an island since we lost pretty much all of our bridges (Hello 2 hours to get to Hastings) my suffering was only a few days without communication and 6 days without power. A tiny amount of suffering compared to many of those around me.

Everyone in Hawke's Bay knows someone or many who have lost everything and my heart goes out to them.

Allow yourself time to grieve. #1

It’s essential to give yourself time to process the emotional impact of a crisis. Take time to grieve and acknowledge the loss, whether it's personal or communal. Part of this process might be helping others who need it or cleaning out your studio or even finding a new space in which to create.

Can you lend or give materials or space to a fellow artist who has lost everything? Help doesn’t always have to be material you can share artists’ givealittle pages and their work on social media. Every little bit helps.

Take care of your physical + mental health. #2

Make sure to prioritise your physical and mental health first. I have a back condition and neck injury and while I wanted to help others dig through the silt I knew it wouldn’t help anyone if I hurt myself in the process(I still felt guilty about it), making sure my family were safe and healthy were my next priorities before helping others. As they say, put your own mask on first.

Take care of yourself by eating well, getting enough sleep, and exercising. Take breaks and meditate to reduce stress and anxiety. You may need more rest during this time. Reduce your caffeine intake but don’t cut it out completely if you have a habit.

My personal go-to activity to increase my well-being is to read a book.

Process the crisis using your artistic practice. #3

When you’re ready to create again you can use the crisis as a source of information for your work. The experience can give you a unique perspective and help you create artwork that is relevant and meaningful. I’ve used this experience to create some research for a set of paintings. I may or not actually create them but I’ve found the process of reframing the crisis into my art practice useful to regain control over my art process. I’m not meaning to be disrespectful of others or what has happened but to be true to your situation and the influence that it will have on your work.

Take photos or draw something around you. Let yourself look and process in your creative way.

Find support. #4

Connect with artists, friends, and family who can provide support and encouragement. Seek help if needed from professional therapists or counselling services. If you’d like to connect with me you can find me on Instagram. I’m always up for more art friends.

Need to take on other paid work to get through this time that is OK. It doesn’t make you any less of an artist.

Embrace the uncertainty. #5

The aftermath of a crisis can be an uncertain time, and it can be challenging to plan for the future. Embrace the uncertainty and focus on what you can control, which is your art practice. I can’t worry about the opportunities missed due to the crisis but I can control getting back to creating content to help artists with their websites, reconnecting with clients and making artwork in my home studio.

Celebrate small wins. #6

Celebrate small wins, such as completing a painting or finishing a drawing or a sketchbook. Recognise that progress may be slow, but every step counts towards your creative journey. If you want a pat on the back I’m always happy to meet up for a coffee or send you a digital heart. Let’s celebrate together.

Be patient. #7

Remember that recovery takes time, and it's okay to take breaks or step away from the studio if needed. Be patient with yourself and trust your creative process. Easier said than done I know but it’s true.

Cyclone Gabrielle may have caused a crisis, but it will not crush my creative spirit for long. By taking care of my physical and mental health, seeking support, finding inspiration, and embracing uncertainty, I will overcome challenges and create meaningful artwork and so can you.

Remember to be patient and celebrate small wins along the way.

Do you have a give-a-little or an art giveaway to raise funds for Cyclone Gabrielle, let me know as I’m sharing all opportunities that I know of via my Instagram stories to spread the word.