Art Therapy?

I've often heard the term "art therapy" but not really taken much notice of it before now.  Never really explored it or given it much thought when I've heard the term used.  Until now.  These are just my thoughts tumbling onto this page.  Nothing I've researched.  It could all be utter rubbish.  However, I've noticed a change in me since I started the Gut Art workshop.  Every time I sit down to draw or paint, my mind becomes flooded with alsorts of memories, hurts, emotional mixed media.  Happy, sad, lonely, delighted, wistful, ecstatic, hopeful, dreamy, frustrated, alive, real, deep sadness, grief, and so it goes on.  Not every time.  Not every emotion.

I feel open and exposed somehow.  My humaness seems frail and fragile.  I've always wanted to paint.  I've always wanted to do something creative.  I've always loved being a homemaker and enjoyed making things.  Never really looked seriously at painting as a hobby though.  Too much to think about.  Too much when trying to raise 4 small children.  From babies to teenagers.  Now that's a huge undertaking.  You'd think after doing that, I could take on pretty much anything! ha!  And I believe I can.  My precious children are in their early twenties.  Flown the nest.  Now this mummy needs to find a way to fulfil those hopes and dreams of wanting to paint, sculpt and so much more.  And she is.

So why then, is it so difficult?  Is it this particular workshop?  Is it because we're exploring how to find our authentic voices?  My authentic voice.  What is my groove?  What is it that makes anything I create, "me"?  Trying to find me in my creations.  My style.  Its there somewhere?  And in all of that, somehow, ghosts and goblins are being exposed and exorcised out of my life.  I'm excited.  I know this is a good thing.  However, it's tough some days.  The tears just flow for no reason.  Some days I'm just staring at a "blank canvas".  Not knowing how to even start.  Where will it go?  And then there are pages of just paint.  Nothing more.  Layers of colours and texture.  No subject, no meaning, nothing but paint.  My paint.  My brush strokes.  My healing.

Is this art therapy?

Work & Play

Still can't find my camera.  Ugh!  I miss it so terribly.  Steve has dragged out his very old Fuji Finepix for me so I'm going to use that one for now.  We've bought a new card for it and just need some more batteries and then good to go.  Been busy working on new products for Christmas/Winter.  These will be available at my Daz store in November.

 And playing too. Still working on my art journal.  A journey to find my authentic voice with the help of Mystele's online art workshop, Gut Art.  I'm just learning so much and also going through so many emotions.  Art is healing.  There's no doubt.  Moving forwards and it feels so good.  Making connections and having lots of penny dropping moments.  Will sort out photos to upload once I've got the camera up and running!

Soul Stretching

"Not everything you do is going to be a masterpiece, but you get out there and you try and sometimes it really happens. The other times you’re just stretching your soul". Maya Angelou

I stumbled upon the above quote while doing some research for the online art workshop, Gut Art, I'm taking and it just spoke to me so loud and clear, I felt stunned for a minute.  I read it again and again.  Perfect for me just at this point in time.  Yay!  Creative freedom.  Lots of soul stretching.  That's all I'm wanting to do while moving towards the masterpiece!

An Artist at Heart

So today I've been working on my art journal for the "Gut Art" online workshop I'm taking. Only a couple of days into the workshop and I'm already learning things about myself and my creative expression.

As I was sorting out my various art supplies and organising what I would need, I realised that my water spray mister was broken. Now that might not seem a huge deal but for someone that uses a spray mister alot while working, it's a big deal. Sunday afternoon. Not many, if any shops open. I need a water mister. Can't do without one. I know it.

Improvise. There must be something in the house that can be used as a water mister. Looking around my bedroom, there it was. The absolute perfect water mister. Oh but the bottle was practically brand new and had produt still in it. A bottle of Elle McPherson Body Mist! Luxurious when getting out of the shower or bath! Hmm what can I put it in? Nothing. Couldn't find anything and so without thinking any more of it, I tipped the whole lot in the toilet!!

I cleaned out the bottle. Twice over. And there it was the perfect water mister. Yay! Definitely an artist at heart. When I was telling Steve, I told him it seems I'd rather have art supplies than be beautiful using beauty products... and his answer... awww so sweet... Apparently, I don't need beauty products. I'm beautiful just the way I am! hahaha!

Today

walking
autumn
candlelight
weight loss

loved
sketching
touched
inspired
domestic bliss
day dreaming
warm
working
cooking
baked
telephone calls
creative
colouring
waiting
sons