Battle/Art Therapy

Can't write a blog about battle without mentioning the zombie apocalypse craze of the Walking Dead! In fact, all types of apocalyptic battle TV shows and movies are popular.  We've even seen a rise in real people planning for the end of the world as we know it on National Geographic's "Doomsday Preppers". Many are actually preparing for battle stocking up on weapons to protect their families and food supply.  There are websites that sell Doomsday gear and weapons to get you ready! Of course, with the state of our environment and world today it's easy to conceive how we are leaping into "The End is Near" scenarios.  We also know this isn't a new idea remembering Revelations in the Bible and the "Left Behind" series.

Last year our family faced a real battle when I was diagnosed with cancer.  I was treated with Chemotherapy through out the year with William as my caregiver.  He took on a majority of the housework, cooking, and taking care of the kids.  Every other week he dealt with unmentionable conditions from the side effects he witnessed of my chemotherapy.  Some situations a husband shouldn't have to see his wife suffer through.  There were many weeks that our family stayed home watching me lay sick in bed that should have been times enjoying summer FUN!  Unfortunately, we never got to participate in "Cancer Preppers" before hand to prepare for the worst of days.

So what does this have to do with William Kimmons Art?  It is how William was able to endure being my caregiver.  He prepared for the battle against cancer we were fighting as a family at home by making ART.  Yes, he prescribed himself some good ole' Art Therapy during my chemotherapy.

Art Therapy is a form of expressive therapy that uses the creative process of making art to improve a person's physical, mental, and emotional wellness.  Art Therapist is a profession held in the therapeutic field of medicine as well.  There are stories of art therapy helping victims of many forms of illness and especially victims of abuse.  Art therapy coloring books are used as an approach to treat children.  Art has become an essential part of therapy used in assessment and treatment techniques.

A few of William Kimmons Art pieces in his battle collection, some created as Art Therapy:

In closing, I hope we NEVER have to use these for anything but the purpose of ART!