Artist Piiij Goodrem has publicly shared her journey of recovery from trauma and alcohol dependence, detailing how self-portraiture became central to her healing process.
Early Life and Trauma
Goodrem reported that she historically avoided confronting difficult experiences, attributing this approach to an upbringing that emphasized maintaining appearances. During her youth and teenage years, Goodrem stated she experienced assault and a lack of support, which led her to suppress these experiences.
Therapy and Healing
In her 20s, encouraged by her sister, Goodrem sought professional psychological help. She described the initial therapeutic process as challenging and emotionally intense, causing significant distress when discussing her experiences. She credits therapy with facilitating her ability to open up.
Goodrem ultimately found creating self-portraits to be a crucial element in reconnecting with her body and establishing personal boundaries. She described this artistic series as an exploration of her personal history and trauma, aimed at fostering a sense of safety within her physical self. Her self-portraits, such as 'Holding' (which features orchids growing from her back), 'Mind your tongue', 'Umbilical climb', and 'Grounded', are hyper-detailed and incorporate realistic bodily textures like stretch marks and cellulite. Goodrem stated that 'Holding' specifically represents the process of self-care.
Overcoming Alcohol Dependence
Goodrem also reported overcoming an alcohol dependence, describing her past consumption as multiple bottles of wine nightly. She attributes four years of sobriety to engaging in art creation. She noted that focusing on her art helped her process thoughts and avoid drinking.
Current Perspective and Business
Approximately three to four years prior, Goodrem reported a shift in her perspective towards desiring to live actively and achieve personal growth, after previously fearing she would not reach her 30s. She has since developed her art into a side business. Goodrem advocates for finding constructive outlets that provide contentment without leading to self-destructive behaviors.