between art therapy and corporate burnout with Elodie
Photo courtesy of Elodie Maréchal
Mind My Story with abstract artist Elodie Maréchal
This week I am talking to Elodie Maréchal - an abstract artist from France, who (if not for the magical powers of Instagram) I would have never come across and had a chance to virtually meet. Listening to Elodie’s story, I heard and saw a lot of my own experiences in it. Stress and anxiety triggered by a corporate job; chest pain that makes you think you’re having a heart attack; and crippling panic attacks. Her description of burnout is one I’m familiar with from my own, and many of my friends’ experiences.
And yet to me - Elodie’s story is full of strength. Strength that manifests from within and which you can also see shining through in her art. I understand her love for art, the healing benefits it has had to her mind as you enter a somewhat meditative state when painting and have found her openness inspirational.
As a reader, I don’t want you to think that corporate jobs are a sole cause of anxiety and panic attacks like what Elodie had. Instead, I would like you to understand and note down some of the early signs Elodie had as things to watch out for. Whilst this story is by no means a full medical list of symptoms one might have with stress, anxiety and burnout, it’s an honest example that you might need you to hear to recognise and accept some of your own experiences.
I strongly believe that with the right balance and the right emphasis on our mental health, we too (people with ongoing anxiety) can flourish in a corporate environment. But it’s important for us to understand when we might need a break and look for alternative routes - whether it’s a creative path, moving industries or roles, or simply taking time off to reset our bodies and minds.
Photo courtesy of Elodie Maréchal
Laura Pajuodyte: Tell me a little bit about yourself. Who is Elodie Maréchal?
Elodie Maréchal: I am an intuitive abstract artist, I am French and living in France at the moment. I have spent a lot of time abroad the last ten years and have itchy feet so that might change soon! I used to be in charge of Marketing for an IT company. A lot of unnecessary pressure mixed with bad management led me to the dark road of anxiety, stress and eventually burn out. I was in a bad state for some time.
But I've always been in love with life, so I decided to try everything to get better. I started being interested in art therapy, thought I would try painting and that is how the art (love) story began. I started trying out different styles and found abstract was the one that was the most freeing for me. There was no model to reproduce so there was no need for perfection thus no pressure...!
LP: Could you share what it was that helped you to realise you’re burnt out? What were some of the warning signs?
EM: It began with sleeping troubles. I was so stressed I was waking up in the middle of the night to send emails and take notes for work related stuff. I could feel more and more physically stressed when going to the office, I thought something was wrong with my heart. It was just anxiety, but I didn’t know at the time. I was trying to balance seeing friends, learning the guitar and also thought that going for drinks after work could help. But afterwards you learn alcohol doesn’t help anxiety at all.
I took a day off when I really thought I needed to rest and that morning I had my very first panic attack, I really thought I was going to die. From that point going outside of my flat became a struggle. I literally would not be able to go to the food store in front of my house because I was so physically and psychologically unwell. I kept having anxiety and panic attacks, I couldn’t sleep anymore which exacerbated the stress - it was a difficult time for me.
LP: How did you come across the concept of art therapy? Can you break it down how it works?
EM: I don’t exactly recall how or when, but I remember that when I heard about it - I wanted to know more. I went to an art therapist school for three days - to observe and understand a bit better of what it is and how it could actually help me.
My understanding is that there are different methods taught depending on the school, but globally the professionals are using the arts to help the patient soothe symptoms of stress, nervousness and irritability. Let’s take the example of painting: making a piece of art helps people to boost their self-esteem, which is often low when you have faced struggles. It’s a fascinating subject and I’m hoping to study it properly one day.
Photo courtesy of Elodie Maréchal
LP: For anyone who might be interested in art therapy, what’s the best place to start?
EM: I would just start with whatever form of art you are interested in and give it a go without any form of pressure. There are a lot of online tutorials if you need some setting to feel more comfortable at first or you could also join a local group. If you want to try painting for example, buy the colours you like at your local shop, 2 or 3 brushes, some paper and express yourself! You don’t have to show it to anyone so you can really be free in the moment and release whatever you would like on paper.
For people with certain conditions I would recommend seeing someone that has had a proper training though. I’m not an art therapist, I just strongly believe in the therapeutic power of art as I’ve experienced it.
LP: What does creativity and the art you’re making mean to you?
EM: I find painting liberating, when I paint it's like an active meditation for me, which has became an important part of my routine! It's now my way to express my creativity, my ideas, my dreams...I love using vivid colours, which make me happy and joyful, and then I just follow my feelings and intuition. I'm hoping I can share some of that energy to others through these paintings. It’s always been important for me to do something creative, so I would feel that I did not dedicate my time only to the growth of a corporation but also to my own growth. Over the last ten years I have learnt how to play the guitar and the ukulele, also did quite a bit of ceramics, knitting, singing, embroidery etc.
Photo courtesy of Elodie Maréchal
LP: Talking about life + work in a corporation, have you decided to leave the corporate world for good, or is it just a temporary break for you?
EM: It is definitely a temporary break! It brought me a lot so far, I’m really grateful I had the chance to take this time for myself. I could evaluate where I was headed and what I shall readjust in the future. I’m psychologically preparing myself to go back to the corporate world within the next 6 months! I like having colleagues, meeting new people all the time so I’m definitely missing this in my current lifestyle. Although now with the Covid-19 it is going to be a little bit more hectic. The thing I need to bear in mind now is to prioritise my health and mental health over any work related stuff.
LP: Do you think it’s possible to successfully combine the two: corporate career + a creative career?
EM: I really hope so! To be honest if I could live just off my art, I would do that. Having my own workshop would be the dream! I know that going back to the corporate world I won’t have as much time as I do now to dedicate to the arts, but it’s important to clear some time for something that makes you happy.
// Mind My Story is a series of stories about creatives, entrepreneurs and people just like you and me, sharing their mental health stories and experiences in order to break down the stigma around it. We talk about what it looks and feels like, what it takes to be creative on a daily basis and how to keep the spark going to find your purpose in life.
If you think you have a story to share, I can't wait to hear from you. DM me on instagram @CANVASBYLP or email me at laura@canvasbylp.com.
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