Liz Reilly - Using Art as a Tool for Addiction Recovery

Over 2 years ago I was in a deep and dangerous place and my life was at the point of self-destruction. For over 25 years of my life I had an addiction and I had never addressed the problem. I had to deal with my addiction! I started accepting help from a variety of services available to me. I attended many meetings and therapy and slowly started turning my life around, accepting the past and moving on. During this time I started attending an Art Group.

 

It was a great place to meet new friends, a place of safety. It helped me build my confidence and introduced me back to an old hobby of mine ...Art! So over time a few like minded people including myself developed and established a Registered Charitable Organization. Our group outreached into the community delivering educational workshops. The group now has 3 outreach workshops and we published our first art calendar this year. I was a trustee and secretary until recently as I resigned to carry on with my own journey.

 

 

I’ve used art as a great tool in my recovery & have reaped the benefits not only to my well being but to my lifestyle too!

In 2 years I have exhibited 2 times, had artwork published in a recovery book, over 2,500 copies of artwork printed as well as selling 7 commissions - I am busy working more. I have just graduated from college with a diploma in The Steps To Excellence and have enrolled in a Physcology SQA Course for next year.

 

 

I always say to people “Over 2 years ago I couldn’t even pick up a pencil never mind draw so anything is possible. I love to inspire people and when I do “Its priceless”

Moving on I’ve just set up my own art page on Facebook, Blossom and Develop as I want to share my art with everyone.

I’m currently outreaching to another group as a paid worker and will continue with this. This year I’m working hard on my own portfolio. I will set up a business in January and have also a future contract with a local retail outlet wanting to sell my artwork. My goal is to set up my own establishment being an activist promoting art as a great tool for recovery.

 

 

Nobody ever said to me it was going to be easy, but it is possible and I hope you enjoy the artwork I have included.

 

Liz Reilly

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