why i do what i do
And how I do it.
We want the world to know how powerful Art is. And what better way to prove it than showing people how they can use the artistic expression to change themselves and the world around them? Happy people make others feel the same way, and that is why we want to help others be the best version of themselves by engaging in creative practices.
“creativity is intelligence having fun.”
Why Art?
As the American Art Therapy Association mentions, Art engages the mind, the body and the spirit differently from verbal communication alone. Art uses physical movement, involves the senses and has a symbolic representation that can surpass the words’ capacity to describe the human experience. Using it as a tool for self-expression, it can help empower not only the individual, but also the community.
Dr. Natalie Rogers highlights in her book “The Creative Connection” that the Arts have the capacity to help us “increase insight and self-awareness, identify and express feelings, improve problem solving skills, create opportunity for self-healing, practice active relaxation, and improve social relationships amongst other benefits”.
The how: Introspective Art Making
Introspective Art Making can be seen as the first approach to art-making if painting feels too daunting. It is focused on the process of creating instead of the finished product and uses Mindfulness theory to understand the self, helping artists and non-artists liberate from personal judgment and fear, get away from rigid art making structures and expectations. We provide basic guidelines on how to use different art materials (such as markers, collage, pastels, watercolors, alcohol inks, amongst others) to evoke certain feelings and achieve more specific goals. Encouragement and support will always be provided as we want individuals to connect with the art so it can be seen as a tool more than a hobby or a pretty picture on the wall.
