Courageous Muses: Elena and Amelia
For sisters Amelia and Elena, this month’s Sibling Spotlight, making art is in their blood. Their mother is an accomplished artist, and their home is filled with paintings, imagination and inspiration from nature. The girls are both Hozier aficionados, talented artists and overflowing with creativity. So, when Elena was diagnosed with brain cancer, finding creativity amongst the chaos was a natural way for the girls to communicate and connect.
When they first began working with Friends of Karen Art Therapist, Siobhan, they excitedly unboxed the package of curated art supplies sent to them for sessions and squirreled away some extra special Model Magic clay for a rainy day. The girls worked individually in their own private sessions. Session after session the sisters created beautiful and imaginative work, sometimes playful, sometimes thoughtful but always filled with expression.
As the months passed and the dust began to settle, Elana’s scans brought promising news and Amelia and Elena began to work in family sessions, connecting through their art and reflecting on the experience of the past year. With that introspection came a deep admiration built upon the already rock-solid foundation of sisterly love.
Though different in personality, the girls are clearly inspired by one another. Amelia described them both as “courageous and caring girls.” We couldn’t agree more. We invite you to read the interview below courtesy of these courageous muses.
Elena, age 6
Amelia, age 7
Interviewer(I): Tell me about your family.
Elena (E): Fun to be around, loving and caring. I love my sister.
Amelia (A): My family works hard. They are funny, nice, and caring.
I- What do you like to do together as a family?
E– Go out to dinner, be in the car all together, go places.
A– Paint, go on adventures, road trips and being at the beach.
I-How would you describe your sister?
E– She is fun and is always making activities for us.
A– Tough and lovely and kind.
I- What is your favorite thing about your sister?
E– She is there for me. She is my best friend. I love to be around her always.
A– I love to play with her, having a best friend always.
I- What are some of the changes in your family after Elena’s diagnosis, was anything particularly tough?
E– I could not go on a trampoline. Not allowed in school and going to parties was scary. I don’t like ambulances. When my sister was sick, I couldn’t play with her.
A– Not being able to go to school sometimes, missing out on sports and birthdays. We got to live in the city for a while. Always being in the hospital.
I – How did Friends of Karen help?
E– I love art supplies and having someone other than my mom and sister to make art with.
A–I had some time to myself to make stuff. We loved to get the art boxes. That is exciting.
I- You are a family of artists, what is your favorite thing about art?
E– Making art all together.
A– We listen to music and make messes; it helps me create different worlds.
I- How does art make you feel?
E– Very happy.
A–It makes me happy.
I – What art activities with Siobhan did you like best?
E– Making the mask and a drawing for my sister.
A– Making masks and playing with clay.
I – What advice would you give a child in a similar situation?
E– I am a child too. I can’t give advice to a child.
A– Always play and try to have fun.
E– To always play.
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