Yes, I really believe there is "happy brain chemistry" going on when creating, whether painting, writing, quilting, photography, woodworking... My friend says she had to wait until she was 70 to realize her lifelong dream of being an artist full time. She always pursued artistic things while raising a family, farming and working in town, and later travelling full time with her husband for 7 years, workcamping along the way to afford life on the road. When he passed away suddenly here 10 years ago, after a brief time of seeking, she jumped into oil painting and watercolor, teaching others as she perfected her craft. Almost 2 years ago, she was able to add an art studio alongside her tiny home, and her skill has exploded.
She is now nicely supplementing her limited income with sales of her art, local decorators have discovered her work, and a local hospital is looking at creating murals from her paintings.
All of this while she deals with many health issues. She is one of the most joyful and positive people in my life. Under her eye, I am working hard to develop my watercolor techniques and composition skills and refine my eye for color.
When I pick up my brush, my pens, or my needle and thread I forget that I hurt, that I am short of breath, sometimes I even forget to eat...When I can't sleep at night, I think through ideas for my projects, or solve problems with works in process.
Sue