Mindy Wara 9/19/24 Mindy Wara 9/19/24

Translating Anxiety into Art: The First Bloom (Part 4)

Oliver’s surgery was successful and he recovered much more quickly than expected. My boy grew stronger over the next several months, but I didn’t. Jason suggested that I sign up for an art class to begin recovering the pieces of myself that I’d lost.

Mindy Wara 9/16/24 Mindy Wara 9/16/24

Translating Anxiety into Art: Underwater (Part 3)

Leaving the house led to being assaulted by well-meaning questions about Oliver’s health that I couldn’t answer. Not only was it too painful to discuss casually, I didn’t have the answers. Every cardiology appointment made me feel like I was underwater and couldn’t come up for air again until we were back in the car.

Mindy Wara 9/12/24 Mindy Wara 9/12/24

Translating Anxiety into Art: Without Explanation (Part 2)

He was here. Warm in my arms, smelling of milk and hope, but I was still holding my breath… Within the hour and without explanation, he was rushed to the NICU.

Mindy Wara 9/9/24 Mindy Wara 9/9/24

Translating Anxiety into Art: Pregnancy and Possibility (Part 1)

During my first trimester, I devoured every book on pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding I could get my hands on. While research usually provides me with a sense of control, the more I learned about potential complications, devastating mortality statistics, and endless decisions to make, the more quickly I spiraled.

Mindy Wara 7/18/23 Mindy Wara 7/18/23

Unmasking the Artist: On confronting insecurity for a magazine feature

When my work is celebrated or recognized, I feel like I’m preparing for a performance. I cling to my mask, tamping down meltdowns, fighting back tears, and trying to ignore the negative self-talk. I obsess over the details, trying to make every aspect of my life look effortless. In short, it looks like I really have my shit together.