I recently spent time with Carissa Belham, a multidisciplinary artist, author and creative mentor, to photograph her and learn more about the story behind her work. In this conversation, she shares the experiences that shaped her, what continues to inspire her, and how creativity has helped guide her through life.

What did you want to be when you were a child, and why?

When I was a child, like in preschool. I always wanted to be creative, do colouring in and cut and paste different things. Like factor X from the newspaper.

I wore bright colour clothing, shoelaces, denim with patches and hot pink hair scrunchies.

When I was a teen I wanted to be a successful business person one day and would study stories from Entrepreneurs like Richard Branson, The story of Nike and the creation of brand Billabong. Anything where I could make from home and build a brand and make lots of money was inspiring to me lol.

When and how did your creative path begin?

I did some art at night school and really enjoyed this. I also did a minor in graphic design at uni but in terms of a creative artist my path began in 2018.

I attended a creative therapy recovery group after a hospitalisation with my mental health. They held a big annual exhibition in Brisbane town hall and I entered some pieces which sold and this gave me a drive to continue exploring painting and making art.

What inspired you to pursue this field of work?

Once I sold some pieces I was thrilled that I could do something I loved and then people wanted to buy, so I made more artwork and undertook some creative courses online. I joined creative groups and just keep on creating because it acted as a mindfulness activity that I could find peace and joy undertaking. Always people were willing to purchase. So I kept creating.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and what you do?

I’m Carissa, a multidisciplinary artist and author. I love challenging myself in new mediums and am constantly curious to spark new ideas and concepts to create in.

I started with collage, painting, printmaking, line drawing and abstract on paper and canvas.

Then moved towards published my artistic mental health educational memoir guide. Followed by co-creating on product projects like developing and launching a sock brand, my mindful moments card deck and more recently abstract textiles with the creation of a fashion garment made from trash (recycled fabrics etc).

Today, I am a creative mentor and consultant. I am guiding a client on his journey to publishing his first book. I have walked along side him through supporting the process of getting from draft to print. Helping coordinate photoshoots and visuals as well as negotiate printing prices and details etc. We are moving into marketing and building a brand and social media content.

I have a chatty personality and love catching up with my friends for a tea, coffee, brunch or a marg and talking all life stories and adventures. I also like my own space for downtime and lots of restful recovery sleep.

My most recent medium for my creativity has been collaborating on music songs. I spent time writing lyrics and combining with music to co-product a few songs. This has led me in the direction of recording and launching a podcast called ‘The Igniting Bliss Podcast’.

Can you share a challenging experience that shaped who you are today?

My biggest life challenging experience that shaped where I am today has been around managing my mental health.

It took me like 10 years to understand and fully accept that living with bipolar is like a full time job to manage. And is vital to manage - it is annoying but important to have awareness to keep well.

How did you move through that time?

Creativity has certainly been a grounding tool to support the ebs and flow of life. It can keep me in a few mindsets - reflective, present moment and visionary and imaginative.

Enough to keep interesting.

My friends, community and family. Help me move through. Keeping me on track reminding me on the day to day things and support and reassuring my creative process and what’s realistic and not.

I also only take on a limited number of clients and work hours at one time that way I can ensure I give my full 100% dedication to the people I work with.

How has it changed you?

I have let go of alot of expectation of grand ideas.

Instead I approach my creative endeavours with curiosity of what is possible and go in giving it my best but not set on the outcome as a huge deal compared to the process of creation. I love the exploration of ideas and possible pathways and directions the most.

What are you working on at the moment?

At the moment I play around with textiles art for fun, following a no rules concept.

I explore music and soundscape creation and am working on the recording of my podcast The Igniting Bliss Podcast .

This is a part of my creative mentoring and consulting services to share more about various industry insights and my lived experience in the creative space.

What motivates you to create?

It’s in me. Creative is just a part of who I am.

I love having many pieces to the process, deconstructing and then reconstructing together in new forms.

I love abstract, texture, layers and colours.

I learnt many of creative foundational principles from studio experimentation, my skilled step grandma who is an artist and is nearing on mid 90’s. Books and you tube videos.

I guess being brave enough to try new things and not afraid of making a mess and finding pleasant discoveries along the way helps also.

How do you unwind at the end of the day?

I like to unwind with low light. Candle or dim lamps, I usually will journal have a cuppa get cozy and snooze away.

What was your most recent adventure ?

My most recent adventure was flying from sunny coast to Sydney to go and watch Lady Gaga Perform live. This was nothing I had seen before and was next level, out of the world, wild type of creative expression.

What does creativity mean to you now?

Creativity to me now means having small/ mini project to muck around with in my personal practice.

Also exploring with digital aspects for socials or tech branding and also being mainly in a position of service - where I guide, encourage, inspire and support others with their creative practices, journeys and projects.

What are the most helpful resources or influences that have shaped you?

1) The Artists Way - Julia Cameron

2) Believe in yourself and do what you love by Kate James

3) Mindfulness and the art of drawing by Wendy Ann Greenhalgh

I also go to the library and pick random titles from the art section to flick through. From time to time. You tube random clips help. Pick up magazines, look and observe in nature at shapes and patterns, lighting and tones.

What do you hope people feel when they experience your work?

When people experience my work I hope they feel a buzz and bliss. Some type emotion of curiosity and excitement, like they are motivated and ignited to try out some creative habits or practice after viewing the works.

What advice would you give to someone at the beginning of their creative journey?

Experiment, experiment, experiment until you find your own style or voice. Avoid trying to copy step by step guides or be like a particular people or feel.

Stay open and trying new materials and mediums in different unique way until you feel a connection and love for something then sit with this for a while until you need to adventure on to find your next technique, love or joyful activities. Play and always continue moving and trialling new directions.

Carissa on Creativity, Healing & Life Reimagined