By Patricia Schallert –
For Ventura resident Jill Covell, art has become more than a creative pursuit. It has also been a source of comfort, reflection and healing, inspiring her to help others discover the calming benefits of creativity through her CALM Art sessions.
Covell, a wellness coach and UCLA alumna with a degree in painting and drawing, continued her education at Claremont Graduate School, where she became the first person at the institution to earn a Master of Fine Arts degree in installation art. This contemporary art form uses objects and environments to create immersive experiences that invite viewers to see and experience art in new ways.
Her personal experience with breast cancer helped shape her approach to art and wellness. During her journey, Covell discovered that creating art could help her manage stress and anxiety and provide an opportunity to process difficult emotions.
Covell became interested in mental health and wellness after witnessing the impact of stress on herself and those around her. She recognized the therapeutic potential of art and mindfulness and established CALM Art sessions to provide a safe space for people to explore their emotions through creativity.
Jill believes that creating art can be a powerful tool for relaxation and stress management. As she explains, “The act of making art can offer a meditative experience, allowing individuals to focus on the present moment and disconnect from stress. This, in turn, can promote a sense of calm and relaxation.”
She also sees art as a way for people to express emotions that may be difficult to put into words. “Engaging in creative activities can serve as a form of self-expression, enabling individuals to explore their emotions and thoughts in a nonverbal manner.” This can help participants process their feelings and manage emotional distress while facing life’s challenges, including cancer.
Art can also enhance self-esteem and provide a sense of achievement, boosting confidence and supporting emotional well-being. Covell believes that incorporating creative activities into daily life can offer meaningful benefits for mental wellness.
Creativity Without Pressure
A typical CALM Art session begins with breathing exercises before participants move into guided drawing and other creative activities. Watercolor pencils and regular pencils are among the tools used, while some sessions incorporate clay projects.
Covell sometimes adds coffee grounds to clay to introduce texture and aroma, creating a sensory experience that encourages participants to engage through touch and smell. Calming music may also accompany the sessions.
Sessions generally last one to two hours and can include guided visualization, mindful drawing or painting, and reflective journaling. The goal is not to master a particular technique or produce a polished work of art. Instead, participants are encouraged to slow down, explore their thoughts and feelings, and enjoy the experience of creating.
“Not an artist—no problem,” is the philosophy behind CALM Art. No previous artistic experience is required, and participants are encouraged to focus on the process rather than the finished product. Art can be enjoyed by people of all skill levels and offer opportunities for relaxation, inspiration and self-expression.
Covell also discusses the psychology of color and how colors can influence the way people perceive their surroundings. From the warm yellows and oranges often used in restaurant settings to the blues and whites associated with many financial institutions, color can play a role in shaping how people experience different environments and brands.
Supporting Patients Through Art
Covell’s work has particular significance for people facing cancer. A cancer diagnosis and its treatment can bring uncertainty, stress and a range of difficult emotions. Creative activities can offer participants an additional way to express themselves and make time for personal reflection.
Through CALM Art, participants are encouraged to explore their feelings in a supportive environment. As Covell explains, “Engaging in art-making can also promote relaxation and emotional well-being, acting as a form of self-care and mindfulness.”
The creative process can help participants give tangible expression to their emotions, explore personal experiences and regain a sense of control during difficult times.
Covell has observed that participants often appear more relaxed and focused after a session. Some report feeling calmer and more centered, while others discover new ways to express themselves creatively. The sessions are designed to provide a welcoming environment where people can participate without pressure or expectations.
Her approach reflects lessons she learned through her own cancer experience: the importance of self-care, listening to the body and making space for reflection. Through journaling and personal exploration, she has gained a deeper understanding of her own growth and the importance of maintaining a positive outlook while acknowledging life’s challenges.
Covell’s journey is also reflected in her book, Jill’s Journey, available on Amazon. The book features original paintings that explore the emotions surrounding her cancer diagnosis and treatment, including fear, endurance and hope as she navigated a period of profound change.
Today, Covell continues to share her passion for art and mindfulness with cancer patients in the Ventura community.
CALM Art sessions are offered monthly at the Cancer Center at Community Memorial Hospital (CMH), on the second Thursday of each month, and are open to cancer patients.
For information about CALM Art and its classes, visit CALM-ART.net or email info@calm-art.net. Covell can also be contacted at bonillajill9@gmail.com.
