http://www.codac.org/recovery-stories/
Bonnie W. – Molding a Beautiful Life
Broken Pieces
Until recently, Bonnie W. lived with a broken spirit and shattered self-esteem. Her feelings and outlook on life paralleled the fragility of the delicate ceramic pieces she creates.
Years of trauma, loss and emotional and physical abuse left her feeling vulnerable and alone.
“When I think about the trauma in my life, it’s not like it’s just a hang nail,” Bonnie shares.
“It’s the house burning down, the loss of a child, and multiple divorces…,” she says as she lists traumatic experiences that molded her life.
“Whenever something good happened to me, I would just wait because I knew the other shoe would drop not long after.”
After enduring more than eight years in an abusive relationship, Bonnie fled to Tucson from Missouri with the help of her son, Michael.
For many victims of domestic violence, the decision to leave an abusive relationship can be incredibly challenging. There are many reasons why it can be hard for people to leave abusive relationships, but Bonnie had the support of her son, and was ready.
Even while living hundreds of miles away, Bonnie feared that her husband would find her. This fear consumed her life and fueled a quickly escalating depression.
“I remember crying so much, that I didn’t think I would ever stop,” says Bonnie tearfully.
Her depression was severe enough that, more than once, she attempted suicide.
Mending the Soul
Friends and business partners Al and Bonnie started a new business called "The Art Project" where artists in recovery can have a safe and empowering space to create.
With the gentle support of an encouraging neighbor, Bonnie sought help from Emerge!, a local agency that provides services and treatment for victims of domestic violence.
“When I learned that there were other women who have gone through what I have, I didn’t feel alone anymore.”
Bonnie showed up to support groups and, many times, would just listen and absorb the shared stories of other survivors of domestic violence. Emerge! connected Bonnie with behavioral health services at CODAC where she actively participated in groups, therapy, and received medication support to aid in her recovery.
Over time, Bonnie became more self-confident, learned how to identify warning signs in relationships and how to recognize her own positive self-worth.
While receiving services at CODAC, Bonnie’s Care Manager referred her to PSA Art Awakenings to complement her care. Art Awakenings is an art program that promotes recovery through creative expression and, for Bonnie, was the most influential component of recovery.
The referral to PSA Art Awakenings “saved my life,” she emphasizes. Bonnie found comfort in creating art in a space that is safe, comfortable and empowering.
“When I was with my abuser, I had no voice and no sense of worth. As time passed, I blossomed and began building my self-esteem back.”
Upon completion of her program at PSA Art Awakenings, Bonnie grew increasingly uneasy of what she would do next.
John H. rents space at Bonnie's business where he enjoys creating abstract art with acrylic paint.
She felt comfortable among her peers and enjoyed having a creative, safe place with social support. Her talent as an artist had been nurtured and Bonnie had further developed her abilities in ceramics, painting, and graphic design among, other skills.
“Art saved my life and I wanted the opportunity to share that with others and offer a way for other artists to keep their recoveries going, too.”
Bonnie brainstormed with her close friend Al Alvarez and together, they created a business proposal to offer a space for artists in recovery to create art. Nearly two years of planning later, Bonnie’s dream has taken shape. She and Al have opened a business called “The Art Project” where artists can do just that.
Through Bonnie’s testimony we learn, that as she says, “the thing about clay —and life— is that you can remold it and rework it until you create something beautiful.”
Maybe this will give you a little bit more insight about who and what I am and was.
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