098 From Surviving to Thriving with Textile Artist Kay Hustwaite

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

Sponsored by:

Laura Day: https://www.laurajaneday.com https://www.instagram.com/laurajaneday/

Ros Gervay: https://www.permissiontopaint.co https://www.instagram.com/rosgervayart

Stay Connected:

Ros’s Newsletter — get weekly inspiration + practical biz advice here: https://www.permissiontopaint.co/stay-connected

Laura’s Newsletter — find your creative rhythm + joy here: https://laura-jane-day.myflodesk.com/studio-news

Let Us Shout You Out!

Leave us a review and we’ll shout you out in an upcoming episode:

Here's how 👉 https://rosgervayart.com/blogs/art-for-the-heart-blog/how-to-leave-a-podcast-review-on-apple-podcasts