Breaking the Blocks

Janet Clare joins Rachel to explore the journey of creative growth and authenticity in a world that often feels chaotic and judgmental. Together they reflect on how the pandemic reset their perspectives, helping them realize what truly matters in life and creative work. • Finding inner calm and creative peace even when the outside world feels unstable • Confronting the inner critic that asks "who am I to create?" and charging forward anyway • Understanding that creativity sits at the top of our needs pyramid, requiring all other needs to be met first • The powerful mindset shift of actively seeking 100 rejections rather than avoiding rejection • Recognizing that "authenticity is magnetic" - when we're true to ourselves, we attract the right people • Stepping outside comfort zones with new creative directions while staying true to your essence • Learning that "it's all cake" - people either connect with your work or simply move on • Building a broader, firmer foundation for your creative life through meaningful connections If you enjoyed this episode, please tell a friend who might benefit from it and leave a review on your podcast platform. It helps others find the show and lets them know it's worth listening to. And if you're a business looking to get your message out there, reach out to rachel@breakingtheblocks.com to explore podcast sponsorship opportunities. You can follow Janet on Instagram: @janeteclare www.janetclare.co.uk Want to reach out? Suggest a guest? Drop us a text! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2272349/open_sms] Support the show [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CraftyMonkies]

Sarah Humphreys transforms lives teaching arts and crafts in a women's prison, helping incarcerated women rebuild their identities through creativity. Working with individuals who've experienced trauma and abuse, she creates a sensory sanctuary where women who arrive saying "I can't" leave as proud creators with newfound confidence and purpose. • Teaching in prison presents unique challenges with scissors and supplies requiring strict protocols • Around 75% of women in prison have mental health concerns and most have experienced childhood trauma • Sarah's classroom serves as a sensory haven with soft textiles, comforting scents, and supportive community • A professional shoplifter achieved a breakthrough by later buying art supplies instead of stealing them • Sarah introduces women to female artists who faced similar challenges, expanding their sense of possibility • The Red Flag Project collects textile flags bearing phrases from abusive relationships, creating awareness around domestic violence • Women in prison often face judgment as "imperfect victims" when they've experienced domestic abuse • Creative activities build resilience, self-belief and new identities beyond "criminal" • Prison crafting creates ripple effects, potentially breaking generational cycles of trauma • The crafting community regularly donates supplies, showing incarcerated women they're not forgotten If you're interested in supporting the Red Flag Project, please check the show notes for details on how to create and submit your own flag to help raise awareness about domestic violence. For those experiencing abuse, support resources are listed below. To find out Full details about the red flags and how to get involved: Click below https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DW9ldQmwNWqAuyCJChrPNGX16TIDOn-3?usp=sharing Follow Sarah on Instagram @edwardandthewhitebear Book mentioned In Control: Dangerous Relationships and How They End in Murder : Smith, Jane Monckton: Amazon.co.uk: Books [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Control-Dangerous-Relationships-They-Murder/dp/1526613220/ref=sr_1_1?adgrpid=1174279317116770&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.04gs-ESNWreA2PPLY10LkBFu6LEWghbnT_UkGvnsnWQiqEZb4ikgLp1WnQ8yd66P5uC6aJtKvFU5AmxdyVfNzhP35F2_t7RfS6HmidIv63s.HXKioRgtwC-O5Xk3vBnqDeFNhhTJHFiEq3Ytqgu3pQQ&dib_tag=se&hvadid=73392659379861&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=132315&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvtargid=kwd-73392594963237%3Aloc-188&hydadcr=10780_2102536&keywords=jane+monckton+smith&mcid=4c8fc7595ba33860a74dfc415a37408a&msclkid=cd5bcc7ff97c1e6a4aefa45889bb1d1e&qid=1747415263&sr=8-1] Koestler Arts | Unlock the talent inside [https://koestlerarts.org.uk/] If you need help: https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/ Want to reach out? Suggest a guest? Drop us a text! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2272349/open_sms] Support the show [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CraftyMonkies]

Rachel Pierman sits down with textile artist Judy Martin for a profound conversation about creativity, mortality, and finding healing through art. They explore the spiritual quality of handmade quilts and how creative work can become a sanctuary during difficult times. • Judy describes her childhood in rural Canada where solitude and art supplies fostered her inner creative world • The transition from painting to quilting as Judy raised her four children while maintaining her artistic practice • How quilting became therapeutic during periods of depression and global anxiety • The deeper meaning behind Judy's "perfectly imperfect" quilting philosophy  • Judy's candid discussion about her fear of being forgotten and using art as a form of immortality • The generational trauma patterns that influenced Judy's emotional landscape and artistic expression • The symbolism of quilts - "the front is what we present to the world, but the back is where all the actual beauty happens" • Judy's relationship with time and her comforting mantra: "I have all the time in the world" • The yearning to return to painting while balancing the comfort found in quilting • Finding inspiration in nature, particularly the sky, as a source of spiritual connection If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave a review or share it with a friend who might find inspiration in Judy's story. For business inquiries, contact rachel@breakingtheblocks.com. Follow Judy here: @judithemartin https://www.judithemartin.com/ Want to reach out? Suggest a guest? Drop us a text! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2272349/open_sms] Support the show [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CraftyMonkies]

Resilience emerges as the central theme when textile artist Caz Holmes shares her journey as a full-time carer for her husband following his debilitating stroke. She offers profound insights into finding balance between caring for others and maintaining your own identity through creativity and connection. • Caz balances her renowned artistic career with caring for her husband Derek after his stroke in 2021 • The stroke left Derek with left-side weakness, limited vision, and spatial awareness challenges • Creativity serves as healing for both carer and patient, providing focus and purpose • Maintaining your identity is crucial when transitioning from life partner to caregiver • Small moments of respite are essential for carers – walks, garden time, coffee with friends • Finding ways to collaborate despite limitations helps preserve dignity for both individuals • Caz identifies her "triangle of needs": challenge, connection to creativity, and connection to others • The UK has approximately 5 million unpaid carers providing essential support • Human connection is being eroded in our increasingly technology-focused society • Speaking up about what you need as a carer is vital for maintaining your wellbeing • Caz's motto "to do different" encourages finding alternative approaches to life's challenges Contact Caz through Instagram to see her work and connect with her community of makers @casholmestextiles Want to reach out? Suggest a guest? Drop us a text! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2272349/open_sms] Support the show [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CraftyMonkies]

Davey Powell shares his journey as a queer traveller, navigating the complexities of growing up in fairgrounds while knowing he was gay from a young age. Through therapy, sobriety, and quilting, he's found a way to unite his traveller heritage with his queer identity to become the authentic person he was always meant to be. • Growing up between two worlds - never "traveller enough" for the traveller community and too "traveller" for the outside world • Experiencing violence and fear on the fairgrounds, forcing him to develop a tough exterior that conflicted with his sensitive nature • Hiding his gay identity from age 8-9 until university, when he finally came out • Facing rejection from his parents, culminating in his father saying "I've hated you since you were 15" • Battling severe depression and suicidal thoughts while trying to find his place in the world • Finding healing through therapy, sobriety, and quilting, which started during a difficult period in Canada • Creating vibrant quilts that incorporate fairground aesthetics to unite his traveller heritage with his queer identity • Learning to speak to his inner child and angry teenager to heal from past trauma • Proudly embracing both his showman/traveller background and his gay identity after years of feeling they couldn't coexist • Using traditional fairground fonts and sign-painting techniques to reclaim positive aspects of his heritage Want to reach out? Suggest a guest? Drop us a text! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2272349/open_sms] Support the show [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CraftyMonkies]