Artist and writer Kristin Vanderlip joins me to explore the intersection of creativity, spirituality, and healing. Kristin shares her deeply personal journey of using journaling and oil pastels as tools for tending to the heavy, messy reality of loss, and why she believes the blank page can be a safe place to land when the world feels overwhelming.
We discuss the importance of "quiet community" in grief, the symbiotic relationship between her writing (prose) and painting (pastels), and the challenge of resisting the urge to produce for the sake of results. Kristin also shares a deeply meaningful work of art from her own family history—a watercolor painting by her great-grandfather—that serves as a "thin place" and a reminder that our creative work often has an impact we may never see.
Whether you are a multifaceted creative or simply navigating a season of "waves," this conversation is an invitation to listen to your spirit, honor your humanity, and find rest in the process.
Resources & Links:
Painting: Ed Snow, 1974, Untitled watercolor: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C72JvbnSc2Y/
Books referenced:
Listening to Your Life by Frederick Buechner
Steal Like An Artist by Austin Kleon
Connect with Kristin Vanderlip:
Website: kristinvanderlip.com
Instagram: kristinvanderlip
Substack: kristinvanderlip.substack.com
Virtual events and community for those interested in writing as a healing practice: penandmend.substack.com
Fall Writing Retreat: https://kristinvanderlip.myflodesk.com/retreat