I was diagnosed with PTSD, anxiety, and depression in 2015 but had been dealing with these issues undiagnosed since at least 2003. I won’t delve into the full details of why I have PTSD, but here’s the short version (the full version all over this blog): I served in the…
This painting holds a special place in my heart, as it was created during a community art class I attended with both of my sisters over the course of four sessions. The subject of the painting is my dog, Scout, and it was based on a photo taken by my…
In this painting, I captured a playful and whimsical moment featuring a black and white cat lying on its back with its paws up in the air. The cat’s bright yellow eyes are wide open, staring directly at the viewer, creating a striking and engaging focal point. The contrast between…
This painting was conceived during my inpatient stay at the West Haven Veterans Hospital, serving as an expressive outlet during a particularly challenging period of my PTSD therapy. The artwork depicts a solitary figure, silhouetted in black, sitting at the end of a tunnel. The tunnel is painted in dark…
Looking at this painting, I am reminded of a peaceful moment captured at Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts. The canvas showcases a serene lakeside scene, where a large, strong tree stands prominently in the foreground. Its sturdy trunk reaches skyward, symbolizing resilience and strength, much like my own journey through life’s…
As I sit here, reflecting on my painting, I am transported back to the moments of calm I experienced while creating it. This piece, painted as part of my art therapy for PTSD, represents a serene lighthouse standing steadfast against the vast expanse of the ocean. The clear blue sky…
In this artwork, I have depicted a Navy aircraft carrier cruising through the ocean, a symbolic representation of my years of service. The backdrop is a stunning sunset, with hues of orange and yellow blending seamlessly into the sky, evoking a sense of calm and closure as the day ends….
One of the reasons it took me seven years to come to terms with the fact that I have PTSD, is that I didn’t get it in combat. I wasn’t shot at and I never went to Iraq or Afghanistan, I just floated off of the coast on a carrier….
This painting is a deeply personal reflection of my experiences and emotions, created as a therapeutic outlet for my PTSD. It serves as a visual representation of my service in the Navy, and it holds a special significance as it is loosely modeled after a tattoo I have on my…
I wrote this when I was inpatient at the West Haven VA. I put the original date as my post date though I’ve never shared this until today (which happens to be August 28, 2024.) Just warning the reader, this may be triggering to some. I sit on my bed,…
