As an artist, Chloe Sobejko used her creative practice to communicate complex scientific information about the body as a way of educating and connecting people. Now, this intelligent and talented woman focuses on the body, education and connection through naturopathy. Chloe practices as a naturopath, herbalist, and nutritionist from Komyuniti Wellness, a tranquil space nestled in the inner Melbourne suburb of Fitzroy. Edition 6 is inspired by the healing practice of this Renaissance polymath.
www.bodyof-work.com
Imagery by Ro Noonan
On her daily rituals…
Waking up early and moving through the body in some form. Most days this is yoga or qi gong, but if my energy is low, I might just do some gentle stretches or body scan meditation. This ritual is anywhere between 15mins to 2 hours depending on time available, my energy, stage of my cycle etc. But a dedicated embodied practice has become an important daily ritual. It keeps me grounded and is a daily reminder of impermanence, as every day I feel a little different.
Returning to myself in this way daily is a daily reminder that everything passes, to be present and to not become attached to the past or future.
Rituals for creativity & inspiration
In my creative work I have found that it’s best to try not to force it or have an agenda or timeline. I make my best work when I let it come organically.
Over time I’ve learnt that it’s more about cultivating a space for the work to come to me. It’s completely in contrast to what we have learned about being productive. It draws back to everything I do in both my creative and naturopathic work. Naturopathy is about creating the right environment for healing, either externally or internally. Not supressing a symptom but following the symptom, listening to what it tells you about the internal and then responding accordingly.
It’s a conversation.
Rituals to rejuvenate
Meditation. Cooking. Eating. Long slow walks in nature/observing nature in any form. Swimming in the ocean. Long soaks in the Bath. Going to the Japanese bathhouse. Regular Shiatsu treatments!
Rituals for productivity & organisation
I’m a very visual person. I like to keep a clear and organised space. No clutter and a place for everything. I find this helps me to focus.
I am most productive when I’m being present. Focusing on the task at hand and not too distracted by external influences. The “do not disturb” function on my phone is a useful friend at the moment.
Also not allowing stress of my own creation get in the way of my work. I have learned that re-centering exercises such as meditation are never a poor use of time and can be practiced throughout the day.
On her favourite healing remedies…
Personalised herbal tinctures! There is nothing quite like personalised medicine, to be able to create a formula that fits that individual at that time and allow that formula to change in response to the pattern of healing.
About some of the herbs we used at the shoot..
Chamomile (Matricaria recitica)
Gentian (Gentiana lutea)
Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
These herbs all acts on the digestive system in various ways and at various locations.
Gentian, Calendula and Lemon Balm are not only digestives but also act on the nervous system. This is important as we digest and assimilate nutrients more effectively when we are in a parasympathetic state. I think it’s pretty neat how the herbs affinity mirrors our body’s physiology in this way.
Where she draws inspiration from….
The body. In my work I’m constantly researching and learning new things about human biology, microbiology and how medicine interacts within this space.
Not to mention the practical application of this. It is a collaboration I’m honoured to call my life’s work. When I studied science in an academic context. I found what I was learning was profoundly poetic which is why I began making art again. I needed something to help me articulate and digest what I was learning and soon found that a creative approach could be a useful tool for exploring, communicating and engaging with the complexity of living systems.
Most of my drawings are inspired by enzymes, cells and biochemical processes. I like this notion of drawing things that are actually occurring inside me on a pre-cognitive level. It creates an interesting feedback loop.
A big part of my work is the empty space. This goes back to everything. Leaving a space for things to happen, for inspiration to be received, for healing to take place. The emptiness to me represents potential.
To find out more visit www.bodyof-work.com.