Solid Cat Advice Shared Via Watercolor Comics Are Incredibly Inspirational
We all have special relationships with our cats and it's not a stretch to imagine our cats have some feedback they'd communicate if they could. UK-based artist Hector Janse van Rensburg has been sharing art on social media since 2012 where he has established quite the reputation for his endearing and often self-deprecating watercolor depictions of life.
Not terribly long ago, Hector was inspired to shift the tone of his work to something a little more optimistic and this series featuring a cat offering mental health advice was born, taking off and gaining popularity immediately. After all, who doesn't appreciate cats and solid advice?
Hector's watercolor style is inspired by Sir Quentin Blake, an artist who illustrated the children’s books by author Roald Dahl. With a degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics, Hector turned to watercolor painting in his past times and simply uploaded them to Reddit before they took off and he branched into other social media platforms.
In an interview with Bored Panda, Hector shared more about the cat and experiences that inspired him:
"The comics that came before this series were less optimistic, and this series is a bit like a response to that. They sometimes approach difficult issues like mental health, but the aim of the comics is not to solve the issues but to show a different perspective on them. That new perspective often comes from the cat, who is based on my cat Ona who passed away a few years ago."
1. Together is better, together with cat.
2. Simple, complicated, valid.
3. You won't be broken forever. Sincerely, your cat.
The Therapeutic Value of Humor and Creativity
According to Dr. Emily Thompson, a clinical psychologist, humor can be a powerful tool for coping with stress and enhancing mental health.
By using humor, individuals can reframe challenging situations, which research has shown can lead to reduced anxiety and improved emotional resilience.
Additionally, engaging with creative outlets like watercolor comics can provide an avenue for self-expression, fostering emotional processing and healing.
The path here has been a journey. Hector said:
"Before I started painting online about 8 years ago, I had never had any interest in art and now it looks like that's where my life is going. Ostensibly, that just means I'm sitting at my desk with a brush more often than a keyboard, but it is a whole different type of challenge to think of things about human nature that I want to communicate in my paintings.”
4. Shake it up.
5. There's a lot to look forward to.
6. Good Goals.
Art therapy studies reveal that creative expression is linked to decreased symptoms of depression and anxiety.
When individuals create art, it encourages a state of flow, which is associated with heightened focus and reduced feelings of stress.
Incorporating creative activities into daily routines can be a simple yet effective strategy for enhancing mental well-being.
"It's like I'm living through my art, which can be difficult.”
Hector's moniker's on social media are all to the tune of Swatercoulour, or Shitty Watercolour.
7. An interesting perspective.
8. Start somewhere!
9. Cuddle Companions.
Cats as Symbols of Resilience and Self-Care
Cats are often seen as independent creatures, embodying qualities of resilience that resonate with many people.
Research in animal-assisted therapy suggests that interacting with pets can lead to significant improvements in mood and stress relief.
This observation highlights the potential of animal companionship in promoting self-care practices and emotional support.
When it comes to advice about passion or discipline, Hector has plenty to say there, too!
"I think if you rely on some feeling of passion to motivate you then you will have a hard time. I've been doing a comic every day recently and I tend to wake up, think of an idea, and then have it painted by lunchtime.
The schedule around my painting process is quite robotic by now, and I think doing it that way opens up a clear space where you can be more creatively free. If I didn't have a schedule and instead waited around for inspiration that was good enough to motivate me to paint, then I probably wouldn't be as productive.”
10. Support.
11. Sometimes love is a lil aggressive.
12. One step at a time.
Moreover, studies indicate that the presence of pets can reduce levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, and increase oxytocin, which fosters bonding and trust.
For individuals facing emotional challenges, incorporating pet interactions into their self-care routines can be a beneficial strategy.
Inspired by Ona, Hector turns negatives into positives with his art. He said:
“So I think about the ways in which people can feel bad and how you might approach them as a friend would. I don't think I find it too difficult to think of ideas which is probably a testament to how nice my cat was."
13. Cats are the best.
14. Friendship.
15. Comfort in silence.
Finding Inspiration Through Cat Wisdom
The advice shared through cat-themed comics often serves as a mirror for human challenges, prompting introspection and personal growth.
Psychological principles suggest that viewing life through a playful lens can reduce stress and promote a sense of light-heartedness.
In fact, humor and lightness have been linked to enhanced problem-solving abilities and creativity.
16. This sadness is temporary.
17. We got this.
18. You're just prepping for big zooms.
Incorporating humor and playful perspectives into our daily lives can foster resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges.
Setting aside time for creative outlets, like drawing or writing, can serve as a practical approach to managing stress and enhancing overall well-being.
19. That moment washed away but the memory is forever.
20. So many opportunities.
Hector's style is unique and endearing. He says, "for me, it's that the niceness and technical ability of a painting are different things and you can aim at either."
“It's perfectly possible to make happy little wobbly blobs of color and people will enjoy them if the message is good and sincere. There's probably a boundary of neatness that you should stay within but messiness is cool too.
Also, most of my pictures look very bad at first, and then it's only after a while that they come together. I think that's because a few wobbly blobs on their own look like an accident, but a finished painting of wobbly blobs looks purposeful.”
We sure can't wait to see what the future holds for Hector and his watercolor art.
Expert Opinion
Using humor and creativity as coping strategies reflects an adaptive mindset that can significantly enhance our emotional resilience. It's important to embrace these practices as they can foster a sense of community and support in challenging times.
Analysis & Alternative Approaches
Incorporating humor and creativity into our lives not only enriches our experiences but can also serve as a vital resource for mental health.
Engaging with these practices can foster resilience, emotional well-being, and a deeper connection to ourselves and others.
Share this article:
