Quilting Emotions: Lucy Engles on Art, Therapy, and Creative Resilience

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What if your quilt could capture a century of emotions? In this spellbinding episode of Breaking the Blocks, we sit down with the talented quilter and artist, Lucy Engles, to discuss the metamorphosis of her artistic style and the personal journey behind it. Lucy reveals the importance of saying no to regain energy and headspace, and how the pandemic reshaped her creative and professional life. We also explore the intricate balance of maintaining a studio and the pressure that comes with growing a business, offering listeners a fresh perspective on the natural evolution of art over a decade.
The conversation takes an enlightening turn as we explore the intersection of art, social work, and therapy. Lucy shares her unique insights into how the skills needed for art align with those in social work, especially in challenging areas like mental health and substance misuse. Discover the profound impact of her "Vanishing Act" quilt, a powerful visual record of 100 days of emotions and societal events. Lucy’s experiences in art therapy and dance movement therapy highlight the therapeutic potential of creative expression, offering a compelling case for combining her art and social work degrees to benefit mental health.
We wrap up with an inspiring discussion on self-discovery and the courage required to follow one's artistic path. Lucy candidly shares her transition from a prolific quilter to embracing a slower, more intentional process, and her dreams of exhibiting her quilts in art spaces and collaborating with big brands like Adidas. The episode challenges traditional perceptions of quilting and underscores the importance of taking risks, as encapsulated in Lucy's motto, "just do it." Join us for an episode that promises to reshape your understanding of creativity, resilience, and the art of saying no.

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