Name: Pia
Age: 20 years old
Country: Philippines
Instagram (crochet): @crochet.px
Instagram (illustrations & graphic design): @pxmrlt
About the series
The Healing Craft Series features creators sharing their thoughts and feelings on crafting and healing through crafting.
“There are days when it can get too tiring to even get up and create. And it’s okay, you don’t have to pressure yourself. You have to understand what your body and mind needs and listen to it.”
Pia, @crochet.px
What kind of craft do you do and how long have you been doing it for?
I’m currently a Visual Communication student in college and have been in the field of visual arts for about 5 years now. For crocheting, I started my first project around September 2019. I was on and off crocheting for the months following that due to my super busy schedule. During the start of community quarantine in Manila, I picked up my hook again and have constantly been creating crochet projects ever since.
What is your favourite place/time of day to craft and why?
We don’t have much space at home, but I find it super comforting while I’m crocheting in bed. I definitely prefer crafting in the morning because it’s hard to see the stitches at night.
What inspires you (in life & in crafting)?
Seeing other people perfect their craft (or even experiment on it) inspires me to do the same. And I think the internet (mostly Pinterest and Instagram) plays a huge part in this. I don’t think mainstream media cover a lot of crochet work, and it’s kind of sad ’cause there are many great creators out there. The community I’m in also has a role in inspiring me to do more. Having a great support system, like family and friends, inspire me to create and enjoy what I make.
How has/is crafting helping you and your mental health?
At the start of community quarantine in Manila, I think it was difficult on everyone to just stay at home. And crochet helped me build a routine that was necessary and was advised by my doctor. I get up every morning, thinking of what project I should do next.
I have been diagnosed with depression for more than a year now and at the start of it, my doctor kept telling me to do something you used to like even though you don’t feel like it. It’s important to keep yourself active despite your lack of energy. There are days when it can get too tiring to even get up and create. And it’s okay, you don’t have to pressure yourself. You have to understand what your body and mind needs and listen to it.
Art (may it be illustration or craft such as crochet) has definitely been an avenue of mine to relieve stress. I have my deepest thoughts and ideas when I have a moment with my craft. I realize a lot about myself and my environment through each stitch and stroke I create.
Sometimes my thoughts are so mind-blowing to me that I have to pause and write my ideas down on a journal, or converse with someone about it. I can say that crocheting and illustrating helps me learn more about myself and my emotions.
What is your advice to other creators (or newly started creators)?
For everyone who is new to the craft, definitely be patient with yourself. It can get tricky and frustrating at times but when you’re done with a project, give yourself a pat on the back for learning something new. I think that applies to all artists, whether you’re new or you’ve already mastered the craft. Don’t pressure yourself on having to create all the time. Take a break every now and then. Enjoy your craft!
Anything else you’d like to share?
My DM is open and I would love to talk to other artists about their craft!