Engaging in arts and crafts activity is a way for me to relax and unwind. I attend a weekly class in a local community centre and have made some great friends there. We get to try lots of different activities from calligraphy to willow weaving. Our facilitator is much loved and admired person who manages to make time for each of us individually as well as providing all the resources to keep the group running successfully for many years. I am inspired by the value of this community resource and hope to facilitate an art therapy open studio taking on board what I have learnt in this setting.
Art is something that has always been part of my life and the invitation to create something using art materials during an art therapy session is always one I welcome. I get completely engaged with what I am doing and the process and end product always has meaning for me to explore. In a similar way to a talk therapy session where someone might used words to describe a situation, creating an image, which can be as simple as a line on a page allows a way to communicate. The line for instance could be meandering, straight, curved, broken, weak, strong etc …
Engaging with nature is another activity that restores and maintains my sense of wellbeing. The sights, sounds, smells, tastes, textures of the natural world are a balm for my senses. I love gardening and taking photos of the beauty and wonder of the natural world. Bringing mindfulness to any activity is very grounding; taking time to be still and and pay attention to natural world around us helps connect us with a sense of something greater than ourselves.
Graphic design is creative outlet I enjoy. I spent many years working on architectural drawings and miss the focus and precision that this work entailed. Creating digital graphics goes some way to fill that gap.
All of these activities are a therapeutic resource for my own wellbeing and a way for me to experience theory in practice. Creativity can be integrated into a therapy session through so many ways – from using art materials, going outside and engaging in nature, infographic creation, etc. We communicate in more ways than the spoken word and art therapy helps us find unique ways to express ourselves and find creative and healing solutions.
Arts & Crafts
Social connection in a safe and nurturing space is one of the benefits of a good arts and crafts class. All it takes is turning up and it is always a surprise to see what activity we will be presented with. Doing arts and crafts at home can help with stress management and creativity for wellbeing is an area of research in which I a particular interest.
Art Therapy Images
These are a few art pieces that I created during my art therapy training. There is complete freedom to choose whatever media and techniques feel right at the time. There is no right or wrong. The invitation is simply to choose whatever materials you like and create an image.
Nature
Taking photographs of nature can be a great way to become more aware of the beauty that surrounds us every day. It is a beautiful invitation to be mindful.
Digital Graphics
