Let Me Introduce Myself…

Me taking a photography course a couple of years ago

Hello, and welcome, everyone. My name is Joanne Gibson, and, at the time of this first blog post, I’ll be 69 years old in a couple of weeks. That seems like a strange age to be starting a business, doesn’t it?

I can honestly say that I never thought I’d be doing this at retirement age. What prompted this decision was when my Mom suddenly got sick back in March of 2023, and was hospitalized, and then had to leave her apartment to reside in a retirement home. Retirement homes where we live are not government funded, so, whatever rent the home charges has to come out of your own pocket. Mom’s pensions didn’t cover all of her rent, so I was paying the extra out of a small inheritance that my husband left me when he passed away. My financial advisor warned me that my funds would run out within two years if I kept making the withdrawals at the rate that I was. I had to take action quickly.

After some thought and research, I decided to take a nine-month course with ciiat, (Canadian International Institute for Art Therapy), to become a certified Therapeutic Arts Practitioner. I thought that it was mostly for the income, but I was surprised!

While working on art assignments during the course I felt the effects of therapeutic art healing MY feelings from past trauma and grief as I was being trained to teach others these skills. Since finishing my training I have done some in-person, and Zoom classes that I have enjoyed so much. I’m always amazed at the insights that my students display through making their art pieces. I am looking forward to teaching more classes and making some videos.

Therapeutic art is a wonderful way to express self care. Follow along as I start this new journey to help you learn how to heal your feelings… because you can’t heal it until you feel it, and sometimes words aren’t enough.