Art Therapy

[Robin]

Give it a try, you might be pleasantly surprised by the results. I would also decribe myself as someone with zero artistic ability, but it is not about that. Drawing has brought out some really amazing insights for me about myself. I have found it helpful, personally. More than most things. It's great when you go into something with no expectation and find something about yourself, in yourself that helps you move forward.

 

[James B.]

Here's a link to the American Art Therapy Association.
http://www.arttherapy.org/

 

[James B.]

More Information On Art Therapy

Here's some information on Art Therapy from Wikipedia. :smile:

"Art therapy is a form of expressive therapy that uses art materials, such as paints, chalk and markers. Art therapy combines traditional psychotherapeutic theories and techniques with an understanding of the psychological aspects of the creative process, especially the affective properties of the different art materials.

Art therapists have generated many specific definitions of art therapy, but most of them fall into one of two general categories. The first involves a belief in the inherent healing power of the creative process of art making. This view embraces the idea that the process of making art is therapeutic; this process is sometimes referred to as art as therapy. Art making is seen as an opportunity to express one's self imaginatively, authentically, and spontaneously, an experience that, over time, can lead to personal fulfillment, emotional reparation, and recovery.

The second definition of art therapy is based on the idea that art is a means of symbolic communication. This approach, often referred to as art psychotherapy, emphasizes the products—drawings, paintings, and other art expressions—as helpful in communicating issues, emotions, and conflicts. The art image becomes significant in enhancing verbal exchange between the person and the therapist and in achieving insight; resolving conflicts; solving problems; and formulating new perceptions that in turn lead to positive changes, growth, and healing."

The Wikipedia page has a bunch of other information as well. :thumbs-up

 

[GunnyMark]

I've been working in my barn makng some primitive furniture. I used to love wood working when I was a teen and have found that while designing and buildng a piece of furniture my mind is focused on that versus going into places that stifle me. I told my girl Friend last night I felt like I could work in my shop all night to stop my mind from dragging me down. I had a hard night last night. Art involves creativity whch I beleive trumps anxiety and drepession.

 

[anni]

Just an opinion, but do anything at all, really and it's art therapy. If you're hesitant because you 'can't draw', and try, then it can be frustrating because you end up not liking it yourself, you know? Lots of outlets other wise-every single person with the creative instinct has something. Please, please don't mind a couple suggestions? Just have done this myself anf for people-trial and error have seen things people seem to like in the end?

Those little squares of glass- buy anywhere like ebay, etc. Pair of glass/tile cutters, glue, wood-is all. Grout you can get at any Low's or home store, or craft store. Just copy a pattern of something simple like an apple, flower, whatever and fit the tile bits in however you like the way they look. Elmer's glue, fill in the background, grout the whole thing and it really, really is a nice, satisfying, GOOD piece, you know? I do flowerpots, too-turn them upside down and glue the tiles by layers or they slip down when the glue is wet. There's also beads- not as silly as it sounds, either. Most stores have packets of really pretty glass beads, and different wax strings. Simple macreme knots and beads in between-playing to make bracelets and things is awfully creative and satisfying also. An excersice in beginning-drawing for students? It's just a hand/eye thing, which teaches the brain, is all. You trace. Find pictures you like, and trace them on tracing paper, then fill them in by looking at the original picture. Your head eventually gets the general idea and begins to understand forms, is all. SORRY to 'teach'. Am a little sold on art as therapy, really, and as something everyone does actually have some kind of ability to do-one just has to tool around and see what that might be. OH! And clay, of course- it's tough to find good modeling clay in the stores. Playdough is as close to the 'real' clay as you can get. Anyway, you can get 25 pound blocks of 'real' clay from most brick/clay supply places, or maybe there's a potter close by you could buy some from. They tend to make it themselves sometimes.There's a wide-open world! Building slab-pots from rolling it out, or just scultures, or sketching in it with a tool, or take classes in throwing if you can. SUCH a cool outlet!

 

[Iam]

That is awesome Gunny. I would love to take up wood carving. Used to have a carving set of my grandfather's, but I lost it somewhere along the line. I think expressing emotions through art can also relieve some of the tension we feel.

 

[anni]

I also do love primitve furniture- so much toooo many things one would love to pursue! I know it's not always possible, Gunny, but if it is and it doesn't feel like an intrusion maybe could we see one? I promise not to bore anyone with the dynamics of why primitives of any genre are quite wonderful-eyes glazing over already, I know!Saw this yesterday and hoped to hear more, if it's ok? If not and you wish to keep things private, understand completely.

 

[AdamAnt]

I'd like to see more too Gunny.