Eating disorders are largely made up of self-criticism, perfectionism, inability to release control, and fear of vulnerability. Art asks you to challenge every one of those areas fully. That is why Ali Gillett from The Brave Arts, uses her artistic talent and lived experience with an eating disorder (whom she calls “Slug”), to help others navigate their internal fears with curiosity and compassion.

Ali holds a BA in Fine Art from RMIT, Melbourne, 2014, a current working with children card, and holds an NDIS workers card. She divides her time between a studio and mural practice as well as portrait commissions. Her company, Brave Arts focuses on taking the mystery out of art making, and in turn allowing the gifts that it provides to be unearthed.

In this episode Ali talks to me about how she helps her students navigate emotions, transform anger, and recognise what is within our control and what is not. She teaches us how art teaches can shift you from perfectionism to new perspectives as it requires you to look at your “ugly parts” from a gentle and inquiring space.

She also speaks about how art has helped her navigate concepts that used to baffle her such as pride and anger. She speaks about the power of choice and the concept of becoming a wholehearted person, which helped her in her own recovery journey. Ali tells us about her perspective on “eating disorder remission” rather than recovery and how vulnerability can be your greatest tool in your healing.

Visit Ali’s website for blog posts, artistic inspiration, and the chance at a scholarship for upcoming workshops: https://www.thebravearts.com/

And find her on Instagram at @brave_arts

In the episode, Ali mentions Brene Brown’s Whole hearted person TED talk, which you can find here: https://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_the_power_of_vulnerability/c