In this episode of Creative Becoming, Helen and Elizabeth explore how life's unexpected disruptions can become catalysts for creativity. Elizabeth shares her progress in quieting her inner critic and finding joy in drawing flowers, while Helen reflects on how her graphic art diaries became a lifeline during some of her most challenging experiences.

Together they discuss how artists have used uncertainty, chance, and disruption as creative tools, and how adapting to unexpected circumstances can open new pathways for self-expression. The conversation also explores stimming, emotional regulation, and the ways creativity can help us navigate periods of change.

In this episode:

Creativity through disruption and change
Artists who embrace chance and unpredictability
Helen's experience of creativity during a long hospital stay
Finding creative space while away from home
Turning setbacks into new artistic opportunities
Understanding stimming and emotional regulation

Resources and Links

Helen's graphic diary archive: https://arted.online/blog/diaries/
Graphic diary template: https://arted.online/toolbox/resource-diary-template/
The 10 Pillars of Autistic Culture: https://www.autisticculturepodcast.com/p/the-10-pillars-revisited-episode
Information about stimming from the National Autistic Society: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/about-autism/repeated-movements-and-behaviour-stimming

Contact: creativebecomingpod@gmail.com

Support

If you are experiencing distress, please contact your GP or a relevant support service in your area.

Disclaimer

Creative Becoming is connected to Helen Shaddock's practice-based PhD, "Welcome to My Messy World": A practice-based, messy auto-ethnographic artistic exploration into multimedia storytelling as an integral method towards creative becoming.

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🎙️ Executive Producers: Amy Burns, Anamaria B Call, Andrew Banner, Anna Goodson, Ashley Apelzin, Audrea Volker, Ben Coulson, Brian Churcek, Cappy Hamper, Carley Biblin, Charlene Deva, Chloe Cross, Clay Duhigg, Clayton Oliver, Danny Dunn, Daria Brown, David Garrido, Emily Burgess, Eric Crane, Erik Stenerud, Fiona Baker, Grace Norman, Helen Shaddock, Jaimie Collins, Jason Killian, Jen Unruh, Jennifer Carpenter, Julia Tretter, Kathie Watson-Gray, Kenneth Knowles, Kira Cotter, Kristine Lang, Kyle Raney, Llew P Williams, Laura Alvarado, Laura De Vito, Laura Provonsha, Lily George, Nelly Darmi, Nigel Rogers, Rachel Miller, Tim Scott, Tyler Kunz, Victoria Steed, Yanina Wood.

🎧 Producers: AJ Knight, Bobby Simon, Da Kovac, Eleanor Collins, Emily Griffiths, Hannah Hughes, Jennifer Kemp, Jonas Fløde, Kate F, Katie N Benitez, Kendra Murphy, Lisa Dennys, Logan Wall, Louise Lomas, Melissa Nance, Nicola Owen, Rebecka Johansson, Sam Morris, Sarah Hannah Morris.

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