1. I can’t draw and I’m no good at art. Can I still come to this workshop?
Yes of course you can! You don’t need any artistic talent or experience for art therapy.
The creative process is just that- a process. Art therapy intends to allow the creative process to be the focus of art making. By taking away the need to produce “art”, the pressure of making aesthetically pleasing works that will be judged dissipates. By allowing the process to be the focus, your internal messages, insights and emotions feel safe to emerge.
The often spoken about block to art making is the belief and fear that “I am not creative” or “I am not artistic” “I can’t draw” “I am bad at art”. These collective and common beliefs can hinder the benefit of creativity. It is important to look at these beliefs and where they came from. They often come from a place of perfectionism, or judgement and of external expectations. If we can accept these judgements as present in the external world, and allow them to be there, then the power they have over us in our art making process is reduced. It is possible to let go of these all together.
This work you create is for you only. It is for you to express your truth, and map your journey through this life. There is nothing wrong with you or needing improving. Every piece of art you create has its own voice, impact and expression, which are all valid! If we can create from this place, we will be able to feel even more power from the healing of the creative process.
2. I want to come but I am resistant to doing things visually because I judge what I create.
Ahh this is a good one- resistance is an old friend of mine, and I have found that resistance is an important part of the creative process. Without resistance, there is no pressure, and with manageable pressure, transformation happens. If you think about the caterpillar in the cocoon or a baby bird coming out of its hard shell, there is a great deal of resistance in the process to transforming into something new. So I am learning that resistance is okay, and sometimes it’s the cocoon faze, and sometimes its time to take chances, even if you feel you aren’t ready!
3. I want to come but I don’t have the finances to come at the moment.
If this is something you are interested in, then we can set up a payment plan. If finances are the only thing holding you back then lets chat about how we can make it work. Vision boards are a great thing to do around abundance also!
4. What do I bring with me to the workshop?
All materials are provided, so you don’t need to bring anything at all! If you do notice images or words over the next few weeks that you are drawn to, feel free to bring them along, but it is not necessary. We have plenty of varied materials to choose from! There will be a lunch break so you can either bring your lunch or purchase it at a nearby cafe.