During August's National Wellness Month, we asked 12 independent and emerging creatives one simple question. Here are their answers.

August was National Wellness Month and to celebrate, we created a month-long artist series on Instagram and asked a talented group of independent and emerging artists and designers a simple question: How do you use your art and creative expression as a way to promote your well-being" To wrap up the series, we’re sharing all of their answers here:

Emily Vanhoff / www.emilyvanhoff.com
“I have always been happiest while making beautiful things with my hands. After the death of my husband I gave myself the freedom to explore making whatever I wanted to make, without any expectations or rules. The enthusiastic reception of this work has allowed me to make my living creating beauty and sending it out into the world. It?s given me a renewed sense of purpose and direction and filled my new life with a joy that didn?t always seem possible.”
Peyton Flynn / www.cloud9clay.com
“Working with clay promotes my wellbeing every day by giving me a tactile outlet for all of my feelings. Ceramics is a very physical craft, and requires a strong body and centered mind, so my personal wellness is always a top priority! The two really go hand in hand for me. Some of my regular wellness practices outside of the studio include getting sweaty and stretching my body daily, prioritizing sleep, taking long walks with my dog, consu...