Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Elie Kennedy. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Elie, sincerely appreciate your selflessness in agreeing to discuss your mental health journey and how you overcame and persisted despite the challenges. Please share with our readers how you overcame. For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
I’ve persisted through my various types of arts and crafts that I use. To keep positive energy flowing through me by expressing myself in various forms. I developed this skill after my sons passing by suicide in 2015. It first started with painting rocks at our favorite family beach spot. After his passing I painted some simple rocks at our beach spot with just some nail polish. I left a pretty good size rock memorial. We came back weeks later with all the rocks being washed away…except for one. My husband was the one who pointed it out to me. The one that had my sons name on it with a heart. I stared down at it and said, “ok, he wants me to paint rocks”. And that’s what started my journey into the art community.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am an Artivist, Artist slash Advocate for Suicide Prevention and Awareness. Since my sons passing by suicide in 2015. I’ve raised funds and awareness surrounding this topic through the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. By painting rocks at first, selling them to help raise funds to help bring awareness in my community. I then moved on to painting on canvas creating pieces that moved and inspired dialogue about suicide and mental health. I’ve participated in multiple art and craft events and shows. Being able to express myself and allowing others to feel comfortable talking about their own struggles with me. I had been coordinating the Spring, Fall and Holiday Markets at a local Nursery. Helping bring up and coming new artists and crafters to the scene while mentoring at the same time. We had some amazing established vendors and friends that helped and support the events I had coordinated. At this time, I am taking a much needed break from coordinating any events. And focusing on still helping in the community where it’s needed. So with that said, I’ve been on board with Rady’s Children’s Hospital. Helping in the Educational area, bringing my rock painting experience to their events. Latest one was for families and their children that have Sickle Cell. I loved seeing everyone so excited to come in and paint rocks. And to share what they were painting. My next one is again at Rady’s for a Diabetes Health Fair. Something so simple as a rock and paint can bring so much joy to others, especially to myself. I’m thankful to be able share my love for rock painting with others. Through rock painting I’m sharing a piece of love through my son.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I think setting small goals that are obtainable. Helped me take a bite size pieces that were manageable to handle one big project. Know that if there is something you want to do. And your scared or don’t know where to start. I found that connecting with others help make your thoughts and ideas become a little clearer. Trust yourself, do what you love and put it out there. Don’t worry about what others think. Don’t sabotage yourself that you are not good enough. My advice is to get involved with art shows, non-profits, your local coffee shops to get your art work out there. Everyone has a voice. You just need to harness the power and the strength to speak up for yourself. Kick the negative talk and any doubts to the curb. I always say, “YOU CAN YOU WILL”!
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
As much as I love being busy with art projects, art shows, coordinating Arts & Craft Markets, being a part of non-profits and Rady’s Children’s Hospital doing my rock painting. I found that I can say no and take time for my self-care. That was a really hard one for me. Because I’m always ready for the next project. Mental Health and self care are super important to be able to ground yourself. And to stop and give thanks for what I’ve already accomplished. It’s important to rest and give yourself a break here and there.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elie2us
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elie.kennedy.1
Image Credits
Dave Palmer
