Wellbeing HubMandy MacLean
Professor Mandy MacLean, Strathclyde Institute for Pharmacy of Biomedical Sciences, has always been interested in art but after taking it up as a hobby she's found it to be a 'life-changer' in many ways, particularly in the past year.
A Health & wellbeing journey
We all recognise the challenges of an academic career, with work pressures and deadlines.
I was always envious of my husband who would come in from a stressful day at work and just pick up his guitar and play Beatles tunes to unwind (that ages us!). I knew I needed a similar hobby to help me relax at the end of the day.
I have always been interested in art so when I was actually advised to find a hobby that would help me relax, I joined an art group and an online watercolour school.
Art for art's sake
During the COVID-19 pandemic and isolation this hobby has been a wonderful activity that takes my mind away from Zoom and to a different place. In fact, it takes me any place I wish to go in my imagination!
I am also now trained in Qi Gong which I am qualified to teach.
But, back to art! I do ‘art for art's sake’ and fun and really just hide the paintings away after one is finished. However, I have volunteered for Make-A-Wish for several years, visiting the children to hear them choose their wishes and I wanted to do some fundraising for them.
I started making small cards of some of my simpler art work and selling them to friends and in a couple of wee shops in Argyll. To my surprise they have raised over £450 so far!
As a Board member of The Glasgow Hospital Children’s Charity, I have started selling them to raise money for this charity also. I am happy to show anyone the cards if they wish to donate!
This hobby has been a life-changer on so many levels and one I would recommend! Anyone can do art for themselves – I really believe that.
This hobby has been a life-changer on so many levels and one I would recommend! Anyone can do art for themselves – I really believe that.