Creative Spotlight | Penni Moussa
Published on 19 June 2023
Tell us a bit about who you are and what kind of creative work you make.
I am contemporary artist and Clinical Psychologist living and working in the city of Ryde, Sydney. I love bold colours, form, texture and multimedia which are the heart of expression in all of my acrylic paintings.
My love of bold acrylic colour on a canvas reflects a celebration of the diverse nature of our innate humanness in all of its forms. Our inner world of emotions are represented by a spectrum of colours, and freedom of form, highlighting the complexity of the intertwined connections between the seen and the unseen ‘parts’ of ourselves.
My invitation to everyone is to find the space within to deepen the awareness of all of our own colours, leaning in to accept and love those parts of our divine humanness without judgement – to recognise our courage in the presence of fear, our love in the presence of grief, and our forgiveness in the presence of anger. Self-compassion is the conduit towards nurturing the plethora of our ‘parts’, expanding our ability to live authenticity in our truth. This propels us to move beyond our edges into celebrating our own unique diversity.
Where do you look for creative ideas? Who or What inspires you?
I look for creative ideas on Pinterest and Instagram and see how other artists use materials. I usually have an idea in my mind as to the colours I want to use first. The fun is in never knowing how a piece will eventually turn out! I am inspired by people’s stories, my work in psychology and my own personal lived experience. The courage, strength and vulnerability it takes to heal, and the expression or non-expression of emotions and parts of ourselves along the way.
How does your personal history, culture or experience inform your creative work?
I am a loud and proud woman in recovery with 14 and a half years of sobriety under my belt. I understand the strength it takes to heal from life, and to trust this process, just as we have to trust the process when we make art. Making art has always been my therapy since adolescence. I am also passionate about supporting other women globally in their own recovery from trauma, addiction and battles with mental health through a large global online community called “Recovery Buddha” which I set up in 2015. The proceeds from all of my artworks sold go towards supporting women in recovery to access services.
What creative project are you working on at the moment?
I am currently working on “The 100 Day Project”. This is a creation of one hundred small 10cm x 10cm artworks on one canvas. The theme of this project is “Amor Eterno” – Eternal Love. This artwork is inspired by Frida Kahlo and her life story, and the Day of the Dead celebration. Previous works have focussed on supporting diversity and the LGBTQIA plus community, especially Transgender youth, a special interest of mine in my psychology practice.
Where can we find out more about your work and get in touch?
Website: www.recoverybuddha.com
Website: www.rainbowhubpsychology.com.au
Instagram: instagram.com/pennimoussa.artist