Colleen Creedon is a commissioned artist at Arts Unbound, an
experience that has been instrumental in reclaiming her
self-esteem, giving her a sense of community and nurturing her
creativity. Arts Unbound is pleased to be able to feature
many of her recent works of art including beautifully tiled and
decorated mirrors and photo albums for all special occasions.
As
a teen Colleen was a serious dance student, studying with
Manhattan’s Broadway Dance Center, the New Jersey Ballet Company
and the Whole Theater. Unfortunately, her dreams of pursuing a
dance career were dashed by a serious foot injury. In her late
teens she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder (manic-depressive
illness). In denial of her illness, Colleen stopped taking her
medication. This self-destructive course of action launched her
on a very difficult journey ultimately resulting in
homelessness, abusive relationships, multiple hospitalizations,
and a catastrophic sense of isolation. Her
challenging illness robbed her family and friends of the Colleen
they had always cherished, but the one part of herself that was
able to rise to the surface was her artistic creativity. She
began designing planters and her work creating mosaic tile
storefronts and street lamps in New York City was featured in
the Star Ledger.
As
a patient at Greystone Psychiatric Hospital she used gray stones
from the hospital grounds to create mosaic birdhouses. Recently
one of the birdhouses was sold at the Arts Unbound holiday sale.
Colleen titled it “One Flew Out of the Cuckoo’s Nest.”
Today Colleen is progressing well and has developed the insight
necessary to manage her illness. Eventually her goal is to work
with others through some sort of creative outlet in hopes of
giving back what she has received from her experience at Arts
Unbound. “Art is a way of life,” Colleen says. “I am best able
to communicate through my work. It speaks volumes for me, and
makes me feel good to make others happy.”
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