Elizabeth Dawn, CPS

Welcome to Memoirtistry

Memoirtistry is a personal development method, born from a diagnosis of CPTSD, combining elements of memoir writing, poetry, painting and performance with curative techniques for healing and self-discovery.

In December 2020, I awoke to the word Memoirtistry in my mouth–memoir and artistry smashed together–and I was surprised when it generated zero Google results.
Memoirtistry’s first expression was a stream-of-consciousness podcast, where I verbally ventilate my way to healing.

The trademark process took three years.

Artist, Author & Poet

The practice of Memoirtistry has allowed me to interact with flashbacks and rewrite the stories I tell myself to unlearn patterns and behaviors developed in childhood due to religious/spiritual trauma.
Practice has become a way of life.

Time travel is a component of my work, with presence being the ultimate goal; when I achieve presence, I am able to heal from the pain of the past and freed from worry over the future. Guided by the internal compass, I discern my work intuitively, using memoir, art, and symbolism as tools for self-discovery. Each creation is birthed from raw emotion, aiming for vulnerability. The symbols began appearing to me in January 2016, “before I knew” I was an artist, and they have aided me in facing the trauma I have experienced. The symbols, in order of appearance, are The White Room, The Mirror, The Eye, The Body, The Pussy, The Demon, The Alien, The Ghosts and The Phoenix.

Editor, Ghostwriter & Writing Coach

I am regarded for my work in guiding people to uncover the therapeutic potential of their life stories, enabling them to find clarity and empowerment in their journeys. I utilize the methods developed within Memoirtistry to help individuals explore personal narratives, gain insights, and foster emotional well-being through creative storytelling. I work w/teen & adult writers of all levels, teaching Virtual Writing Workshops, Ghostwriting Memoir, and offering various Editorial Services: reviews, proofreading, light or heavy copyediting, and developmental. 

Art Journalist, Mental Health Advocate & Peer Supporter

I enjoy writing art commentaries for The Commentary with Wick Monet in Pittsburgh; and also published in my portfolio. I interview artists and frequent local art events to further the creative community.

I am the co-host of COMPLEX with Mental Health & Relationship Coach Quincy Schmidt.

In May 2025, I gained my certification as a Peer Support Specialist in Pennsylvania, which will allow me to further Memoirtistry’s partnership within the mental health field.

Soloist

I also perform the National Anthem for boxing matches with Integrity Fighter Management which has aired on Pay-per-view. The management company has developed a new televised series, Integrity Pro Boxing, which will broadcast on SportsNet Pittsburgh beginning in April 2025. You can watch my live performance on July 19.