Finding Freedom Through Art – Carmela’s Creative Journey

This month, as we prepare for the 1 Day Rebellion online event, I want to share a little more about myself and why creativity is at the heart of everything I do.

I’m a spiritual artist, writer, speaker and workshop facilitator. My mission is to help people reconnect with themselves, find purpose, and heal. I work especially with those navigating neurodiversity, invisible disabilities, cultural challenges and business entrepreneurs, using art and words as tools for empowerment.

ID: A colourful piece of art with a flower theme

My own journey began in a corporate world where I felt pressured to hide my true self. My invisible disability wasn’t understood, and my requests for simple flexibility were refused. Over time, the stress and lack of authenticity took a toll on my health and spirit.

Art became my safe space. Picking up a pen or brush allowed me to release anxiety, rediscover my identity, and imagine a new future. Eventually, I chose to leave that environment and create a life that aligned with my values, supporting others through creative workshops, speaking, and writing.

This month’s workshop is part of that mission to spark courage, creativity, and change in others. Together, we can rebel against the limits placed on us and imagine new possibilities.

What Inspires My Creative Work

As I prepare for my end-of-year exhibition, I’ve been organising my artwork into themes and series. While reviewing my pieces, I noticed something unexpected, many of them carry the same emotional energy. They speak to each other in a way I hadn’t realised before.

In my last two exhibitions, I selected about 30 pieces, created a catalogue, and that was it. But now, a few years later, I can see a pattern, an evolution in my creative process and my spiritual growth. My work reflects my heart energy, lessons learned, and a deeper understanding of my identity.

Last year, I made the decision to “come out of the closet” in terms of my authentic self. It happened faster and more intensely than I expected. In moments of anxiety or overwhelm, I turned to drawing and colouring as my form of self-care. Picking up a pen or pencil allowed me to release emotions quickly, without overthinking, scribbling, colouring, and writing words or phrases that resonated with me.

But emotions can be tricky. Sometimes they feel like they’re pulling us down, keeping us in a cocoon, disconnected from the world. While that retreat can be comforting, if we stay there too long, our mental health suffers. We may start wearing a “mask” to cope a false version of ourselves we can’t fully control.

Overcoming Fear and Returning to Art

When I first started creating again, I was embarrassed to share my work. I felt childish, after all, I was an adult and a mother of two. But my dream of being an artist never left me. In the corporate world, I tried to fit in, wearing the mask expected of me, but it drained me physically and emotionally. My health conditions were invisible and often misunderstood. Simple accommodations, like working from home one day a week, were treated as unreasonable requests.

Eventually, I realised I could no longer live that way. Leaving that environment was terrifying, but it opened the door to a life filled with meaning. I began expressing my experiences through drawings, writing, speaking, and running workshops. My art became a way to release the negative energy and reclaim my health and happiness.

The Power of Belief

Looking back, I feel for the people still stuck in toxic environments. I was fortunate to believe in myself enough to leave. That self-belief became my protection, a cocoon that allowed me to heal and create. Now, as a creative business owner, I cherish the time I spend sharing messages of comfort and self-belief with others.

If you’re feeling stuck or lost, please don’t give up. Reach out for support. Life is too short to stay in a place that drains you. Let your heart guide you. Imagine your next chapter and take small steps toward it. You have the courage and determination to create the life you deserve.

We never stop learning. Life is a work in progress. The only path worth taking is the one that leads to your happiness, your conditions, and your success.

3 Practical Steps You Can Try Today

Carmela’s journey offers simple but powerful actions you can take right now:

1. Create Without Judgement 

 Scribble, paint, write, or colour just for yourself. Don’t worry about the outcome.

2. Use Art as Self-Care 

When anxious or overwhelmed, use creativity to release emotions instead of bottling them up.

3. Believe in Yourself First 

Others may doubt you, but your belief in yourself is the foundation for all change.

My message to you today is: 

Your creativity is not just a hobby it’s a lifeline. It can guide you through hardship, connect you to your truth, and inspire you to live fully.

You can see a glimpse of my art on www.ruggierostudios.com/portfolio and any free resources on the website www.ruggierostudios.com

I hope to see you soon online @ the 1 day Rebellion Event!

Love and light,

Carmela xx