She is Improving the Medical Community and Beyond Through Creativity
It is a pleasure and honor to have inducted Nicole Cromwell into our “World Changers”, a series about extraordinary Artists like her who are contributing to improving the world. I know you will enjoy reading this interview with her.
Nicole creates transcendent paintings that portray luminous, and aspirational interpretations of the natural world. Her meditative works of art invite us into blissful realms of serenity and quietude. You can read an Art Review I wrote here: Nicole Cromwell Creates Transcendent and Tranquil Nature-Inspired Paintings.
Prior to becoming a full-time artist Nicole was a critical care nurse, a stressful, high burnout profession. Through creatively she was able to reduce stress and anxiety. Now, she teaches other nurses how to derive the many healing benefits that creativity provides. As a world changer she is helping medical professionals improve their lives which in turn positively impacts the lives and health of their patients. She is an inspiration to us all.
Nicole offers encouragement individually and has reached countless more through sharing her free guide “20 Health Benefits of Creativity For Nurses: Well-Being Through Art”.
Nicole also offers the “Brave Beginner Art Course: How to Survive and Thrive Through Creativity”.
“Art became that lifeline for me, helping me heal and regain balance.”
~ Nicole Cromwell
RP: Nicole, I commend you for creating a free e-guide for nurses “20 Health Benefits of Creativity to Nurses: Well-Being Through Art”. It is a treasure trove of valuable information, not only for those in the medical profession but everyone.
Please share 3 of those benefits here.
NC: Creativity offers significant benefits for everyone, especially nurses. It provides stress relief by allowing one to step away from daily pressures and focus on the relaxing process of creating. Creativity also serves as a non-verbal way to process difficult emotions, aiding in emotional healing and resilience. Regular creative practice also boosts mood, reduces anxiety, and helps prevent burnout, which is essential for maintaining overall mental well-being.
RP: What event or experience first prompted you to launch your mission to help and heal nurses?
NC: My own experience with burnout and compassion fatigue after 25 years in Critical Care Nursing was the catalyst for launching my mission. Witnessing the toll that high-stress environments take on nurses, including myself, I realized the need for a creative outlet to process these intense emotions. Art became that lifeline for me, helping me heal and regain balance. This personal journey inspired me to share the healing power of creativity with other nurses, knowing firsthand how transformative it can be.
“I truly believe everyone has the potential to be creative.”
~ Nicole Cromwell
RP: Importantly, you bust the myth that one does not need “talent” to apply the many aspects of creativity. Please elaborate on this.
NC: I truly believe everyone has the potential to be creative. Creativity isn’t confined to traditional artistic talent; it takes many forms. Whether it’s painting, writing, cooking, gardening, or simply finding new ways to approach daily tasks, creativity is about exploring and expressing ideas in your unique way.
The focus shouldn’t necessarily be on the final product but on the process and the joy it brings. Everyone can tap into their creative potential, regardless of perceived ‘talent.’
RP: What advice do you give to those who wish to begin using creative practices?
NC: My advice is to focus on the process rather than the outcome. The true benefits of creative practices come from the experience itself, not necessarily the finished product. I encourage everyone to experiment with different modalities—whether it’s painting, writing, or photography—and discover what brings you the most joy.
“Don’t be afraid to play and explore; creativity is about finding what resonates with you personally and allows you to express yourself freely.”
~ Nicole Cromwell
RP: What is the most gratifying feedback you have received from someone you have helped through your inspired efforts?
NC: “Thank you for creating this course. It’s something everyone can benefit from but in particular, healthcare professionals. The cumulative stress we endure from years as caregivers can be washed away by practicing art as I have experienced the phenomena personally. I hope others get as much and more from this course as you have put into it!”
RP: You are bringing positive change to the world by offering a course for nurses: “Brave Beginner Art Course: How to Survive and Thrive Through Creativity”. You describe it as “where we’ll dive more into the many health benefits of art, the science behind it all, and lots of fun easy to do art projects.” Please tell us more about it and how and where nurses can register.
NC: Thank you, Renee! The “Brave Beginner Art Course: How to Survive and Thrive Through Creativity” is designed for nurses and includes continuing education credit. The course covers a range of topics, including basic art projects, color mixing, understanding burnout vs. compassion fatigue, the health benefits of creativity, inspiration finding, and so much more.
It’s a comprehensive journey into the healing power of art. Nurses can register on my website, www.nicolecromwellart.com, where all the details are available.
Nicole is also the owner of the Nicole Cromwell Gallery, located in Carmel by the Sea, CA, so if you are in that area give her a visit.
Read an Art Review I wrote: Nicole Cromwell Creates Transcendent and Tranquil Nature-Inspired Paintings
Visit Nicole Cromwell’s website: nicolecromwellart.com
“The focus shouldn’t necessarily be on the final product but on the process…” says Nicole. So true when it comes to art-related creativity! So true, too, when it comes to doing our best to ‘create’ moment-by-moment coherence on the canvas of Life as we know it :-))