Self-Care for Caregiving Artists with Shimoda Donna Emmanuel (#113)

Why is it so hard for us to take care of ourselves? We all get
busy. We feel a sense of urgency to keep up and do more. But if
we're honest, we realize that very little is really urgent.
Still, all of this hustle means we neglect habits and routines
that will keep us well and give us energy for work in and out of
the studio. And it's even harder when you're also responsible for
caring for others. Whether you're a parent with growing children
or an adult with aging parents, caregiving can take a lot out of
you. It's hard to spend time on yourself when you're maxed out on
so many levels. It's no wonder that self-care takes a backseat to
other priorities.


On this episode of The Art Biz, I’m joined by Shimoda Donna
Emmanuel. Shimoda has been the caregiver in her family, primarily
for her mother Izola who recently passed after living with
Alzheimer's, but also for an ailing sister. In 2020, Shimoda
wrote Sacred Stitches: The Art of Care Giving, which has tips for
stitching yourself together when caring for someone with
Alzheimer's, but can also be useful to other caregiving roles.
Together Shimoda and I talk about her routine, how she keeps her
home to maintain a high vibration, tools she uses to de-stress
and to stay calm, and how gratitudes and "the rage dance" fit
into her self-care routine.


Highlights




The fiber collages, jewelry, circles of love and sacred
stitches of Shimoda’s work. (2:13)




Shimoda wrote Sacred Stitches during the pandemic while
caring for her mother. (7:29)




Key tips for de-stressing as a caregiver artist. (14:20)




How to keep your energy high so you can stay positive and
productive. (24:52)




Spring cleaning takes on a new meaning with self-care.
(28:40)




Finding a support group that can give you the support you
need. (31:16)




Handling emotions might mean screaming, crying and doing a
rage dance. (34:51)




How to cultivate a space that helps you destress. (36:30)




Making time for sleep and watching your diet. (40:45)




‘Let this be easy’- Shimoda’s mantra for hectic days. (46:05)




A peek at what Shimoda is looking forward to in the New Year,
and where her name came from. (49:10)




Mentioned




Sacred Stitches: The Art of Care Giving - Tips for Stitching
Yourself Together When Caring for Someone with Alzheimer's by
Shimoda Donna Emanuel




Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah by Richard
Bach




Mama Gena’s School of Womanly Arts




CaringKind in NYC




Resources


 




Show notes, images, and listener comments




Artist Planning Sessions




Create Opportunities for Your Art




Quotes


 




“I’ve got to take care of myself. The caregiver has to take
care of themselves.” — Shimoda Donna Emanuel




“I’ve got to keep my energy high and keep my vibration high.
That’s what’s most important to me.” — Shimoda Donna Emanuel




“It’s just not good to hold it all in. I can get through
emotions quicker if I just let myself deal with the
feelings.” — Shimoda Donna Emanuel




 


Guest Bio


Shimoda Donna Emanuel is a mixed media artist living in Harlem,
N.Y. Shimoda Accessories has a range of work that includes
intuitive jewelry & fiber art. Her art has been on HGTV as
well as the covers of Essence magazine and other publications.
Her art is available for purchase at The Smithsonian National
Museum of African American History and Culture.


As a caregiver of her sister and her 97-year young mom with
Alzheimer’s, Shimoda wrote Sacred Stitches: The Art of
Caregiving. This colorful book offers tips for other caregivers.
She found solutions that worked for her with creative exercises,
rituals, and more.


Shimoda also published Sacred Stitches: Fiber Art Dolls for the
Soul and Sacred Stitches, an inspirational 25-piece card deck.


First posted: artbizsuccess.com/caregiving-shimoda-podcast