At Wednesday night's art therapy group, we began by drawing ourselves as a landscape. Mine had boulders in the foreground, with bits of grass and a butterfly, beautiful but a bit rocky....beyond were mountains and on the other side was a lush green valley and sea, some hurdles to cross but getting there. Next we were given a lump of clay and all 5 of us present were to make a sculpture as a group without speaking. I found myself a little intimidated by the medium and by doing group work. I started out strong but when my first addition fell over I grew timid and sat back watching for a while, but later I was able to contribute more. We made a fantastical scene and afterward we were to spend some time writing about the story of the piece. Here are some of my crazy writings..."King Henry is an island, he holds a talisman, a figure, a reminder of his love. In the magical seas that crash at his shores colours delight. Dog with two legs debates with a large human-nosed elephant wearing a dunce cap, but who will win the debate? not he who other judge as ignorant. A boat holds a weary traveller who unexpectedly catches a talking smiling fish. A nearby whale swallows a mermaid. Although Henry is an island he is connected in many ways - bridges abound, connecting him with the magic taking place all around him. Giant magenta flowers blossom, snails swim in circles, boulders bounce a top waves, sunny faces gaze outward as if guarding Henry, watching for what may come. Lotus blossoms float peacefully, snake tongues reach out, peacocks frolic, children riding rainbows..."
That was the crazy scene we created (which of course every one described completely differently). Afterward we did a drawing about our process or experiences in group. I drew many coloured figures in small groups, me standing at the front looking out towards them all around me, interacting with all the diversity but on the fringes of groups. I quite liked the image even though I didn't really like the group project in this context. It was a great learning experience though as we all explored how we operate in groups, what comes up for us. I lost a lot of my confidence and creative freedom working with others, interesting to gain some understanding of that.
Speaking of group/community, this week I also did some scrounging, finding pre-loved objects at garage sales and picking up things people have thrown to the side of the road. What great finds! I love the connection to others gained through re-using objects. It feels like sharing and It's a fabulous creative outlet, finding others' trash and using it in new ways, in my home, as part of my wardrobe when combined with other interesting pieces, or as gifts. This week I found all of the above and more, a green bracelet that looks a bit like Asian grass wrapped in enamel, a necklace that is 5 large sculpted leaves on a wire, another that has large green glass beads which I adore, some clothing and accessories for myself, and my niece (including a gold fake Louis Viutton handbag which she will love), and a few items for my sister for her birthday which I can't list here for fear of ruining the surprise but finding the perfect unique gift is a fun creative endeavour. I hope you find as lovely gems as have recently. Happy treasure hunting!
