Sue, thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your story and art. I had put off reading the interview for some reason, even though I was really looking forward to it. Turns out, it was just what I needed to read this morning.
For me, something that strongly resonated was when you wrote (and I hope you don't mind that I’m paraphrasing a bit): [being] “depressed doesn’t help my creativity nor does it change that which I’m upset about… it is possible to feel hopeless and still behave in ways that reflect hope. So, a critical aspect of my creative life is that I try, daily, to feed my good wolf and maintain my hope. I try to feed my joy so it won’t be hungry. I feed my good wolf so I can provide food (via my art) for other good wolves in this world. That’s how I’m fighting injustice.”
This is just so crucial, so vital… and yet sometimes so difficult. It reminds me a passage in a book my husband and I recently listened to, Those We Thought We Knew by David Joy. In it one of the characters, Vess Jones, says (and again I'm paraphrasing a bit): “My happiness [is] my defiance. My joy [is] my act of dissent.”
Thank you for your kind comment!! I agree with what you paraphrase - especially "my happiness is my defiance, my joy is my dissent" ... the way it is phrased in the book I illustrated is "the best response is to go on and live well"! 💚
I have read Dr. Bob's Emotional Repair Program First Aid Kit and it is excellent. If you want to buy it in the UK, this is the link https://shorturl.at/dfmv7
An excellent in-depth interview! I had no idea, Sue, that your childhood was so traumatic. You've risen above remarkably. I was also struck by your view of the Sisyphus myth. It's the first time I'm ever seen it interpreted and internalized in a positive way.
I'm still trying to wrap my mind around your childhood and your biologics. Interesting word which fits them to a very uncomfortable tee. Your grandmother was the miracle worker who sheltered you with love and freedom. Thirteen may seem like a young age to lose her, but in that time, you were able to soak in enough to stand up for yourself, to stand up for your artwork and the power it gave you to shine. You astound me! And thank you for your story, which gave me a new perspective on the people in my childhood.
Thank you so much!!! Yes, the people around us are so often absolutely wonderful gems... we need to notice, accept and love!! Thank you beyond thank-yous for your support!! 💚💚💚💚💚
This was amazing! Thank you Kathryn! Sue, your drawings and wit make my heart happy. You have an incredible story. Thank you for sharing it. I just ordered the book. Can’t wait. I love the back cover advice.
Sue! That was such a wonderful interview. It was quite moving to me to hear more of your story and how its link to your growth as an artist. Thanks for sharing all those quite personal stories with us.
I hope to continue our conversations too! How to maintain mental health is, for me, one of the most important topics of our times - along with maintaining our democracy.
Great interview. I enjoyed the lively discussion and intimate insights shared by both of you.
Thank you!! Kathryn did a great job with the questions and weaving it all together!! Thank you for reading!! 😊💚
Sue, thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your story and art. I had put off reading the interview for some reason, even though I was really looking forward to it. Turns out, it was just what I needed to read this morning.
For me, something that strongly resonated was when you wrote (and I hope you don't mind that I’m paraphrasing a bit): [being] “depressed doesn’t help my creativity nor does it change that which I’m upset about… it is possible to feel hopeless and still behave in ways that reflect hope. So, a critical aspect of my creative life is that I try, daily, to feed my good wolf and maintain my hope. I try to feed my joy so it won’t be hungry. I feed my good wolf so I can provide food (via my art) for other good wolves in this world. That’s how I’m fighting injustice.”
This is just so crucial, so vital… and yet sometimes so difficult. It reminds me a passage in a book my husband and I recently listened to, Those We Thought We Knew by David Joy. In it one of the characters, Vess Jones, says (and again I'm paraphrasing a bit): “My happiness [is] my defiance. My joy [is] my act of dissent.”
Thank you for your kind comment!! I agree with what you paraphrase - especially "my happiness is my defiance, my joy is my dissent" ... the way it is phrased in the book I illustrated is "the best response is to go on and live well"! 💚
I have read Dr. Bob's Emotional Repair Program First Aid Kit and it is excellent. If you want to buy it in the UK, this is the link https://shorturl.at/dfmv7
Thank you so much for your kindness and for sharing the link! I appreciate you!! 💚💚
An excellent in-depth interview! I had no idea, Sue, that your childhood was so traumatic. You've risen above remarkably. I was also struck by your view of the Sisyphus myth. It's the first time I'm ever seen it interpreted and internalized in a positive way.
Oh thank you!!! And thank you especially for your support over the years!! I appreciate you more than you probably know 💚💚💚💚
You're welcome!!
I'm still trying to wrap my mind around your childhood and your biologics. Interesting word which fits them to a very uncomfortable tee. Your grandmother was the miracle worker who sheltered you with love and freedom. Thirteen may seem like a young age to lose her, but in that time, you were able to soak in enough to stand up for yourself, to stand up for your artwork and the power it gave you to shine. You astound me! And thank you for your story, which gave me a new perspective on the people in my childhood.
Thank you so much!!! Yes, the people around us are so often absolutely wonderful gems... we need to notice, accept and love!! Thank you beyond thank-yous for your support!! 💚💚💚💚💚
This was amazing! Thank you Kathryn! Sue, your drawings and wit make my heart happy. You have an incredible story. Thank you for sharing it. I just ordered the book. Can’t wait. I love the back cover advice.
Thank you dearly!! Your comment is so kind and I appreciate you so much!!! 💚💚💚💚
Sue! That was such a wonderful interview. It was quite moving to me to hear more of your story and how its link to your growth as an artist. Thanks for sharing all those quite personal stories with us.
Thank you so much for listening and caring! I appreciate you so much!! 💚
Thanks goes to you! I really enjoy our conversations and hope to continue them ...
I hope to continue our conversations too! How to maintain mental health is, for me, one of the most important topics of our times - along with maintaining our democracy.
Nice ❤️