Life & Work with Candy Fantastic of Lakewood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Candy Fantastic.

Hi Candy, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Going through childhood and into adulthood was an uphill climb for me supplemented by substances to help me maintain “equilibrium”. What I didn’t understand during those years is that my constant need to numb out kept me from growing and discovering the full extent of who I am. Sprinkled throughout those years were prose, poetry, paintings, and the like that showcased someone in pain who needed guidance. I sought therapy around ’97 and began my long journey of healing and self-discovery. As I dove deeper into the studies of psychology, I realized that I’d been loosed into the world without a lot of necessary tools to live a meaningful, present life. Years went by and I learned more and more about myself through the help of professionals and talking with friends and family about my struggles. I was pleased (and not so pleased) to find that I was not alone. With the advent of social media and the openness of younger generations I began to share my struggles as well. It was slow at first and most of my socials are full of remnants of unhealthy self-medicating. My journals full of introspection and canvasses of paint were no match for the relief I felt when others began to share their stories of trauma. It had helped me so much that I decided I wanted to do the same for others. In 2022, I found myself alone, self-medicating as usual, and in a uncomfortably familiar place. What could I change that would allow for me to step outside my familiar patterns and make the necessary change for growth? I needed sobriety to be able to address the demons that I’d ignored for so long. I began my journey of exploring 12-step programs until I found one that suited me. Within the rooms of the sober community I was able to learn more about myself and grow in a meaningful way. I was finally able to practice the skills I’d learned through the years of therapy, including using art as a medium to constructively transform my trauma. Since sobriety (and more therapy) I’ve been able to fulfill several dreams and it’s only been a little over a few years! I started learning how to create art digitally and make stickers (I loooove me some stickers); I’ve sold several pieces of art–one by happenstance; I co-host a podcast called The Cloaked Tatters where my friend and I talk about all things revolving around trauma; for the first time in my life, I have healthy interpersonal relationships; I play a part in providing service to the sobriety community–all these accomplishments would not have happened had I not decided to make a change in how I show up in this life. I’m finally in a place where I feel like I can show up for others and provide meaningful assistance whether it’s through the written word, driving someone to an appointment, or just with a genuine smile.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road to where I am has been full of potholes, cracks, and even some dead ends. I’ve found that the biggest struggles were some of my own making. Not understanding how trauma can effect someone can have disastrous results. For me, my biggest issues resulted in unhealthy relationships–romantic, platonic…it didn’t matter. What made those relationships tough was not understanding the need for boundaries and not having a voice to express those needs. Unchecked anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma brain–all these things made for an explosive combination and an incessant feeling of not fitting in, of feeling alone. The ruts of habit and familiarity run deep and so long as I stay on the new path I’ve paved for myself and can get back on track when I find myself riding those ruts, I’m golden.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I love to create more than anything. Acrylics have been my go to since I was a little girl sitting on the floor listening to Star Trek. Over the years, I’ve learned to incorporate different types of media into my art: charcoal, ink, alcohol markers, even making jewelry…the list goes on. My favorite are a tie between marker art and acrylic paint and what I use depends vastly on how I’m feeling and what emotions I want to elicit. When I draw a scene of trauma from my past I use shades of grey and when I’m feeling buoyant and joyful, it’s shades of orange, red, and yellow. I create pieces that are as small as a playing card to medium sized canvasses. I’ve yet to try a huge canvass, but it’s on the list (it’s mostly a matter of space). One of the things I love most about my creative style is that it differs. Whether large or small, my collection will evoke an array of emotions.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love the diversity of activities that one can choose from. Whether someone likes to indulge in table top gaming, hiking, or is a homebody, there’s a community for it. We have the beautiful Rocky Mountains to the west that inspire daily and I can’t begin to express my love for those peaks. On the flipside of what is awesome in the Denver Metro area is the community of those struggling with homelessness and addiction often fueled by untreated mental illness.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.candyfantastic.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candycanefantastic
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candycanefantastic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CandyFantastic
• Other: https://bsky.app/profile/candyfantastic.bsky.social