About
“Imagination is tapping into the subconscious in a form of open play. That is why art or music therapy, which encourages a person to take up brushes and paint or an instrument, and just express themselves, is so powerful.”
― Phil 'Philosofree' Cheney
Who Is Nina Haigh Creative?
-
Willow
-
Sock
About Willow
At some point in our lives we have all either felt alone and in the darkness or have encountered darkness within ourselves. This darkness, while uncomfortable and at times difficult, is a part of the human experience we all face.
“I create bold and colorful abstract art that often glows in the dark or glows under backlights because I needed a way to illuminate the darkness in my own life. I also create this art in hopes that I might help shed some light into the lives of others or inspire them to make their own light for their lives.
Light has become my guide, my mission and my medium”
Willow is a survivor of childhood trauma and neglect and a survivor of human trafficking. Art has always been a tool of expression for Willow since childhood. Now in their early 40s, it has once again become a vital tool for their mental health during a time of their life that is consumed by the trauma healing of the deep wounds left by their abusers.
“I also work with different elements to create accessible accessories. These are tools like chewelry, earplug earrings, fidgets and more that are intended to help with sensory regulation and processing. Being a neurodivergent person and trauma survivor has made navigating the world challenging for me and I know I am not alone. I make these accessible accessories to show others that self accommodation is possible and a powerful tool but also that these tools can be fun, stylish and cute.”
Willow lives in the wilderness of rural southern Quebec with their partner, and kitties Pixel and Spock.
About Sock
Sock has a peculiar gift being both an artist but also having the analytical brain of an engineer. This allows him a range of creativity that is unique.
While Sock’s background lies in programming video games and developing novel arcade game hardware, he contributes to Nina Haigh Creative regularly as a painter, photographer, vending accomplice and being life partner to Willow, truly always in support of all of their endeavours.
Sock is best known for his brilliant use of neon color pallets, transforming old vinyl records into intricate paintings which not only look beautiful by day but provide a tripled effect in simple darkness and also under UV/blacklight. This ability to be able to create many artworks in one object make his paintings truly special and one of a kind.
Sock is inspired by impressionist, abstract, pop art and blacklight painting styles. Some of his paintings have been reproduced in sticker format as well to enjoy, available through this website, along with his original works.
“Creating artwork allows your mind to be in a safe place while it contemplates the tougher issues you are dealing with. One can use the tools of brush, paint, pastels, crayons etc to expose and even for a short time color those issues in a different light.”
― George E. Miller
Exploring Utah
Sock at the Nina Haigh Creative Booth
Always add magic when you can
On vacation together
Photographing the sunset in Montanna
Create a life to love
Sock admiring nature's beauty
No More Stolen Sisters - In Support of MMIGW2S
Having fun at Furnal Equinox 2023
Supporting NWAC
The Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) is a national Indigenous organization representing political voices of Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit, Transgender, and Gender-Diverse+ (WG2STGD+) People in Canada.
Nina Haigh Creative is a proud supporter of the NWAC because of their work and support for MMIW2S with Safe Passage programs.
10% of all yearly sales, all tips and all gifts on socials to Nina Haigh Creative is donated to this cause at 100%.
To watch a clip of Willow speaking about supporting NWAC and why that’s important to them, check out their TikTok video here.
To support NWAC directly, click here.
Coloring Together
Coloring to Heal is a new Facebook group Willow created for all those who wish to share their works of art that they color, from books and colouring pages. The group is a safe space for people to also share their journey with using coloring as a healing and self soothing tool.
Willow Rivers is a non-binary, disabled artist and illustrator sharing their journey with art and healing and encouraging others to do the same with the coloring books that they publish.
