098 From Surviving to Thriving with Textile Artist Kay Hustwaite

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This week, Laura and Ros are joined by the inspiring Kay Hustwaite, a textile and mixed media artist from Ballarat, Victoria, whose work and life are rooted in the healing potential of creativity.

Kay shares her powerful story of transformation, from navigating an acquired brain injury to building a joyful, purpose-led art practice and running community workshops that connect, heal and inspire.

In this conversation, we talk about:

How creativity became a lifeline during recovery (12:40)
The role of community, soul sisters, and “believing mirrors” in rebuilding confidence (20:30)
The shift from surviving to flourishing and why embracing limitations can still lead to expansion (26:15)
Blending art-making with wellbeing advocacy to create meaningful change (30:20)
Kay’s upcoming workshops and the projects lighting her up right now (33:45)

Kay’s story is a reminder that it is never too late to reinvent yourself, step into your strength, and share your gifts with the world.

Connect with Kay:
Website: https://kayhustwaiteart.square.site/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayhustwaiteart/

Join Kay’s newsletter for workshop updates
https://kayhustwaiteart.square.site/contact-us

Resources & Mentions:

The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
https://www.amazon.com/artists-way/s?k=the+artists+way
Your Brain on Art by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross
https://www.amazon.com/Your-Brain-Art-Arts-Transform/dp/0593449231
Laura’s Vietnam Art Retreat (2026) — early bird ends this month! https://www.laurajaneday.com/retreat

Prefer to Watch or Listen?

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@paintrestrepeatpodcast

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3XkuZ4KuoUgy3Shu7IpmjN

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/paint-rest-repeat/id1597004305

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