Creativity takes Guts and Creativity takes Courage.
I have been told by some, “don’t put your BoobArt online, it will ruin your business.” I have been told by some to “especially don’t talk about your BoobArt or show your BoobArt, with Creativity in Business.”
“Boob Garden” Copyright Brenda Johima
Well, I already have the BoobArt on my Brenda Johima Fine FUN Artist Blog and on this Creativity Blog afterall, I am a Creativity Coach who happens to be in business, walking the talk of creativity. So, why not?
I am an artist, and an advocate for the arts.
My business “IS” creativity and by modelling the guts, determination and the courage to put who you are out there into the world, others are inspired and given permission to do so also.
For many years I worked as a Music Therapist and Counsellor, working with all kinds of people, in the healing arts, and in assisting others to move through crisis, and to make positive changes in their lives, to recover from grief, trauma, addiction, abuse and “dysfunctional families.” Through that work, I was always applauded for my honesty, for speaking my truth always.
Somehow something happened when I went into “business.” I changed. I became serious. I was told by some, that “in business you cannot tell the truth all the time.” And, “hold your cards close to your chest.” Hide this, hide that, watch out for your competitors and on and on. I thought I was supposed to change, and to be seen to be taking my business “seriously” and through all of that, I simply became too serious, even for my own liking, never mind those around me.
“At The Water Cooler” Copyright Brenda Johima
In “business,” singing and rehearsals became serious, art had to be “Fine” art, or it wasn’t considered art, drawing had to be done with not drawing any black outlines, color had to follow rules of color theory rather than intuition, feelings and the heart, and design had to be done on a computer, sitting in unhealthy postures for hours on end. Writing had rules. This was creativity? Creativity simply became no fun anymore and I questioned why I had gotten myself into this Creativity business.
“Music From The Heart” Copyright Brenda Johima
It took me years to realize, I can do whatever I want. I forgot, that this is why so many people want to be an artist, to work in the arts, to live the life of an artist. And I had chosen to do so, so I better have fun doing it! That was, afterall, why I got into the arts, and into the business of creativity. I am in the business of creativity, and I am an artist, so of course, I can paint, create, and display BoobArt! I was free once again.
“Boobs And Pearls” Copyright Brenda Johima
My series of BoobArt was created in part, as inspiration for those going through and recovering and healing from Breast Cancer, and for those who wanted to put a little humour in the healing process.
Have you had a scare with breast cancer? Do you know someone who has breast cancer? Someone who has died of Breast Cancer? Someone who has recovered from breast cancer? We can all answer at least one of those questions sadly, with a “yes.”
Breast Cancer is a serious issue, and requires expert, serious medical care, AND, we know, that the power of the mind, and the power of humor and laughter are tremendous in their healing power. Humor and laughter simply, heals. My art could be called “Boobs With A Message?”
But why else did I create Boob Art? Most importantly, it was just to have fun with my paintings!
“We Are All One” Copyright Brenda Johima
My Boobart was also the featured solo art show during one of the runs of the Hit Musical “Menopositive” in Vancouver. This art has also put smiles on the faces of many, in a local coffee house solo art show and display.
“Power Of Community” Copyright Brenda Johima
My BoobArt and “Boob Garden” has been purchased by breast cancer survivors, and for their breast cancer survivor friends and loved ones. My BoobArt not only was fun to create, but I was making a difference in the lives of others, and I was making money from it also.
Brenda Johima’s BoobArt has touched the lives of women, just before they died. My BoobArt is hanging in the offices and lobby of surgeon and physician offices. What more could I ask for?
“My Musical Dress” Copyright Brenda Johima
So, the moral of the story is, do what you want, express creatively whatever you want, don’t listen to the naysayers, have fun with it, make a difference with your art if you can, but mostly, be creative, whether you are in business or not. If you are in business, have the guts to stand out, get noticed, and be remembered.
Creativity is meant to make a difference … to YOU!
“Meno-Pause” Copyright Brenda Johima
So, it is with pride, guts and courage I present to you, as a business owner, Creativity Coach and artist, this series of Brenda Johima BoobArt paintings and digital visual art.
- brenda –








{ 18 comments }
Brenda,
These are so wonderful! My mom survived 2 bouts of breast cancer, so I am a huge, boob advocate. Thanks for sharing. And thanks for being an inspiration for all of us who believe creativity and business can be fun. I’ve struggled with this myself and recently changed the focus of my practice and workshops to reflect more of who I am. Being true to yourself is the most creative thing you can do. Congrats!
Melanie
Thanks Melanie, for you compliments and encouragement. And good for you too, for making a shift, to keep fun as the focus of your creative business.
Brenda Johima
Heya Brenda
Really great boobies! Good on you for the subject matter.
Thanks Sheena, and great to hear from you! These boobs are really getting around, maybe famous boobs one day?
Brenda
Fantastic! My mom survived Breast Cancer but died from colon cancer ….I love your BOOB ART! As an art therapist/hypnotherapist, I know what visualizations of all types can do for everyone! This includes music, poetry, drama, dance, etc.
Thanks Darlene, for taking the time to comment! I value your thoughts, and thanks for sharing a little of your personal story. And yes, you are correct, visuals and the creative and expressive arts, do wonders for people. As you have stated, I am sure that you do know this very well know, as an Art Therapist and Hypnotherapist. My life as a professional Music Therapist brought me here after many years, to the field of Creativity Coaching, and now I am thrilled to have the opportunity to inspire so many people through so many different mediums, and especially, through my BoobArt.
-brenda-
I have been away and am just catching up on reading all the posts in my feed reader. Slogging through hundreds of posts at a time, I really got a sense of how mundane so many can be. So, it was a particular delight to come upon your boobs
You are fantastic just as you are. Keep putting the whole you out! Someone, somewhere needs to see/hear/be inspired by each piece of all of us. Even if we don’t always get to know who that might be.
Thanks Christine, and I am thrilled to be one to break up the mundane, on any day. A true compliment.
-brenda-
I think this is a wonderful thing you are doing! Sadly,I have two friends who have died from breast cancer, one Mom with young sons at home and the other a fellow teacher who left us too soon. On the up side of this same issue, I have a wonderful friend who survived breast cancer with her amazing sense of humor in tact! She had a mastectomy in the times before the medical professionals realized they could do a lumpectomy. Well, this lady is wonderful and she has done more to promote breast health than any one I know! She has been in wet t shirt contest and won! She just isnt shy about talking about it. The other wonderful thing about this lady is her husband, who has been with her from the start of all of this and continues to stand proudly by her side.
Thank you, Diane, so wonderful to hear from you, and thanks for taking the time to comment and for your compliments. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of loved ones you have had, and also on a positive note, I love the wet t-shirt story! That lady has guts!
-brenda-
I am a survivor of breast and pancreatic cancer. My passion is to always look on the bright side and find the absurd in serious situations. Brenda; your ability to lift my spirits and others with your incredible BoobArt is nothing less than Fabulous. The positive energy that emerges from just viewing and laughing from the visions in our heads is medicine to my soul.
The Boob Garden flourishes with uplifting spirit for the world to see.
Thank you for helping all of us heal as our lives unfold moment to moment with a smile in our hearts.
Thank you for posting this.
Thanks Roz, your comments warm my heart, and your gratitude lifts me higher. This also makes the fun of it all even more fabulous for me than it already is.
- brenda -
I do love your garden Brenda…may your “creativity” continue to grow and show…! As a breast cancer survivor, artist and writer I know that creative healing comes in all forms, smiles do wonders and your colourful “boobies” are so “up lifting”.
Thank You, Sharon, for taking the time to write and view my art.
I especially love your humor in the “up lifting” part.
And of course, you are right in your knowing and in your wisdom, that healing comes in so many different forms, and in so many different ways. One of the best ways that we know, is through the creative and expressive arts.
- brenda -
I came across your site while looking for inspiration to contribute to a friend who raises money for breast cancer. I love your work, and Hope to come up with something as original as your work.
Thanks Jenn, and I have faith in the creative process, and if you are coming from the heart, and creating works with love, your art will always follow the lead of the heart.
- brenda -
Your work is awesome! I love the simplicity and creativity. Congratulations on your art being selected to represent the Canadian Walk for the Cure!
Thanks Sally! Great to hear from you, and thanks for viewing my work, and thanks so much for the compliments.
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