IN THE ARTIST'S WORDS
Thinking back to the early days after being diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, I see that my goal of attaining perfection is still as far away now as it was then.
I use art as a means to cultivate a healthy perspective, working on my ability to focus or even improve motor control. I chase the joy I know only by creating, or just thinking at my best. There is a moment when standing in front of a painting that everything falls together. I become my healthiest me. This is success for me.
I know perfection of any kind is balanced on a razors edge and ultimately "in the eye of the beholder". So, perfection is making the right choices in real time, whether making lines on a canvas or having the confidence to be who I know I can be.
It's all relative.
I'm comfortable with that now. That's a big change from way back when, when I struggled to attain the most elusive part of myself: My best in my own eyes. I've let go, and that's the key for me.
Plus: There's always more to the story.
ABOUT CALEN
An artist based out of Montana, Calen Pick has worked with a variety of mediums, including foam-core fiberglass sculpture, airbrush art, and soft pastel with a focus on oil painting and woodworking.
Calen has been developing his craft and creatively evolving for over 14 years. In every piece that he creates, he pours all of his energy into it. And that’s why his art speaks volumes for itself.
Calen lives with schizoaffective disorder, and uses his artistic expression as a tool to help harness the creative powers commonly found among individuals with various forms of mental illness. Additionally, he serves as a speaker and ambassador for Bring Change 2 Mind, an organization that is working to end the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness.
Thinking back to the early days after being diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, I see that my goal of attaining perfection is still as far away now as it was then.
I use art as a means to cultivate a healthy perspective, working on my ability to focus or even improve motor control. I chase the joy I know only by creating, or just thinking at my best. There is a moment when standing in front of a painting that everything falls together. I become my healthiest me. This is success for me.
I know perfection of any kind is balanced on a razors edge and ultimately "in the eye of the beholder". So, perfection is making the right choices in real time, whether making lines on a canvas or having the confidence to be who I know I can be.
It's all relative.
I'm comfortable with that now. That's a big change from way back when, when I struggled to attain the most elusive part of myself: My best in my own eyes. I've let go, and that's the key for me.
Plus: There's always more to the story.
ABOUT CALEN
An artist based out of Montana, Calen Pick has worked with a variety of mediums, including foam-core fiberglass sculpture, airbrush art, and soft pastel with a focus on oil painting and woodworking.
Calen has been developing his craft and creatively evolving for over 14 years. In every piece that he creates, he pours all of his energy into it. And that’s why his art speaks volumes for itself.
Calen lives with schizoaffective disorder, and uses his artistic expression as a tool to help harness the creative powers commonly found among individuals with various forms of mental illness. Additionally, he serves as a speaker and ambassador for Bring Change 2 Mind, an organization that is working to end the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness.