2019 … Fruit Season

So I seem to be interested in fruit this year. Maybe it is because I live in the middle of a fruit growing area, maybe it is because I just love fruit! I am fortunate that cherries are usually ripe around my birthday in November, so that’s always a treat. Then we move into the stone fruit season and although we have a few trees, we are still learning about getting the best quality so I end up buying some from the local growers. I am trying really hard to grow some citrus, they are so versatile, especially lemons.

My apple above is a mixed media using collage, impasto and acrylic paint. This painting will be part of an exhibition “Paddock to Plate”, by the Mallee Artists of Swan Hill in June/July this year at Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery.

I am also working on a pear using torn paper collage and paint plus a much larger work referencing lemons in a variety of ways including history and song lyrics.

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Re-creating myself

This is it!  My final year of working for someone else!  I am not sure if I am terrified or excited or both!  In 2019 I will be running my own business… “Thrive On Counselling and Art Therapy”.  Art as therapy is my thing… I love working people to unleash their creativity through workshops and individual sessions.  Whether its painting, doodling or collage this kind of creativity is about the process, not the end product.  Of course its also nice to have something at the end that you like!  So.. watch this space for more information about workshops and how to get creative!

Polystyrene Print 

Art Journalling an introduction 

Love this guide to journalling!

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I facilitated an introduction to art journalling for some group workers and counsellors in Dunfermline yesterday – they are hoping to introduce some journalling to their clients so I have written an outline of the session. ( The group had a big range of art experience , from seasoned art makers to those who were quite anxious of using art materials )

I have been art journalling with my friend Debbie and following Shelley Klammer , Lisa Sonora and Orly Avineri – so they have influenced my work heavily . I also draw from my art practice and teaching experience

This CPD session shows you how to start art journaling – using simple techniques to explore feelings and emotions through art materials – have fun using found images, explore collage and expressive techniques with crayons and

Materials and equipment

Pastels and paint

Sample technique books

Examples of journals

Blank journals

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Benefits of Art Therapy

What are they?

There are mafeeling blue about the environmentny potential benefits to art therapy, including but not limited to the following:

 

  • Stress reduction
  • Increased sense of self-awareness
  • Greater sense of control
  • Increased sense of independence
  • Improvements in communication
  • Healthier, more positive body image
  • Improvements in social skills
  • Safe expression of difficult emotions
  • Increased self-esteem
  • Increased problem-solving skills
  • Reduced anxiety
  • Improved mood
  • Improved coping skills
  • Healing from trauma
  • A greater sense of connection (group art therapy)
  • Enhance sense of personal empowerment

Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of art therapy is that it allows individuals to express things that they simply can’t put into words.   The saying that “a picture is worth a thousand words” is particularly apt with regards to art therapy. Sometimes a drawing or painting is much more powerful and revealing than fifty minutes of dialogue.

Source: https://www.addiction.com/a-z/art-therapy/

 

What is Art Therapy?

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Art therapy involves the use of creative techniques such as drawing, painting, collage, coloring, or sculpting to help people express themselves artistically and examine the psychological and emotional undertones in their art. With the guidance of a credentialed art therapist, clients can “decode” the nonverbal messages, symbols, and metaphors often found in these art forms, which should lead to a better understanding of their feelings and behavior so they can move on to resolve deeper issues.

When It’s Used

Art therapy helps children, adolescents, and adults explore their emotions, improve self-esteem, manage addictions, relieve stress, improve symptoms of anxiety and depression, and cope with a physical illness or disability. Art therapists work with individuals, couples, and groups in a variety of settings, including private counseling, hospitals, wellness centers, correctional institutions, senior centers, and other community organizations. No artistic talent is necessary for art therapy to succeed, because the therapeutic process is not about the artistic value of the work, but rather about finding associations between the creative choices made and a client’s inner life. The artwork can be used as a springboard for reawakening memories and telling stories that may reveal messages and beliefs from the unconscious mind.

What to Expect

As with any form of therapy, your first session will consist of your talking to the therapist about why you want to find help and learning what the therapist has to offer. Together, you will come up with a treatment plan that involves creating some form of artwork. Once you begin creating, the therapist may, at times, simply observe your process as you work, without interference or judgment. When you have finished a piece of artwork—and sometimes while you are still working on it—the therapist will ask you questions along the lines of how you feel about the artistic process, what was easy or difficult about creating your artwork, and what thoughts or memories you may have had while you were working. Generally, the therapist will ask about your experience and feelings before providing any observations.

How It Works

Art therapy is founded on the belief that self-expression through artistic creation has therapeutic value for those who are healing or seeking deeper understanding of themselves and their personalities. According to the American Art Therapy Association, art therapists are trained to understand the roles that color, texture, and various art media can play in the therapeutic process and how these tools can help reveal one’s thoughts, feelings, and psychological disposition. Art therapy integrates psychotherapy and some form of visual arts as a specific, stand-alone form of therapy, but it is also used in combination with other types of therapy.

What to Look for in an Art Therapist

An art therapist has the minimum of a master’s degree, generally from an integrated program in psychotherapy and visual arts at an educational institution accredited by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The initials ATR after a therapist’s name means he or she is registered with the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB). The initials ATR-BC means the therapist is not only registered but has passed an examination to become board-certified by the ATCB.

A poor blogger

I am not a blogger … not even close… maybe one or two posts a year.

I write most days … in a journal…. I have contemplated sharing my entries but that means doing it twice….

I was given a beautiful Chrissy present of a 365 journal which has a little prompt for each day and today’s journal was about fashion faux pas.  It suggested I do a drawing of it so …. here it is 🙂  PS: I just randomly open a page to see what is there and go for it!

ScanLorri 16  But I did have fabulous hair!   Must go now and look for that photo 🙂

 

Almost 2017

Where did I spend my time?

As I contemplate another click of the annual clock I, like many others reflect on the past year.  The biggest change for me was my youngest daughter and her new baby (along with hubby) moved back to USA to live.  We have always been close and enjoyed sharing our creative endeavours with each other.  Sometimes days are just a little bit hollow without her nearby.  Skype is my saving grace and I have enjoyed sharing milestones of her baby daughter’s journey, exploring life … the most recent of her walking …almost running already!

I have continued to study fine arts at Curtin University and completed the drawing unit this year.  I have also completed about 1/3 of my Diploma in Counselling and went to an amazing 2 day Art Therapy Workshop at Latrobe Uni in November.

I have been working 2 days a week at our local Adult Learning Centre, one of the days teaching literacy to adults … challenging and rewarding at the same time.

My art this year has taken a bit of a back seat as I was working on the days that the Mallee Artist’s meet and despite my endeavours to set up a new art group with some friends on an alternative day this has been a bit of a bust.

I am continuing to tangle to de-stress and I have big plans for a new exhibition late 2017 or early 2018.  “Mothers Garden” is something I have re-imagined on may occasions.  My mother had a beautiful, unruly garden full of romantic plants … sadly I have no photos.  So I am remembering the plants, making some studies and planning to create a nostalgic if not very accurate images of my favourite nooks and plants.

I enter the new year with a determination to complete my Diploma, find time to create and to be a tad healthier in my choices!!

Happy New Year!