Monday, August 17, 2009

Internal Critics Move Aside

Many of us are haunted by our internal critic: the "shoulder," the judge, or whatever name you would like to give him or her. For those who try art therapy for the first time, who have experienced ongoing battles with these negative voices, a new process begins to take shape. Process versus product. It is difficult at first to move beyond the idea of an aesthetic and beautifully pleasing piece of art to staying in the moment with the process of creating. This is one of the key elements to using art therapy and how art therapy and an art lesson differ. Staying in the process becomes freeing and enjoyable when staying in the here and now is the goal. Clients many times tell me how much they enjoy not worrying about what their art will look like and just let what will happen happen. Here, we begin to see how our internal critic really works as its voice tries to be heard and as we develop a new voice that asks the critic to please step aside.
Learning to talk to your internal critic can be a daily practice that takes place in a journal or whenever you encounter the negative-thinking voice. Awareness that it is taking place is the first step. Acknowledging that it exists must happen before you can confront it. I tell clients to draw or write in a journal to practice working with the judgemental voice inside of them. When issues of perfection, or feelings of making a mistake arise, I ask clients to acknowledge the feeling, and try to stay with the process allowing their art to be what it wants to be. So, as you work in a journal, be aware of what is happening as you draw or write. Be aware of your reactions, and instead of doing what you've done in the past, try something new. Try gently asking the critic to please step outside, because, you know what you are doing and do not need his or her help. Continue to work with this process until you feel you can work freely and comfortably allowing the process to take place without judgement.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Giving Children a Voice Through Art-Making




Children thrive on the world of curiosity and imagination, because if they are in the right setting their imagination is limitless. Give them a few markers, clay, sticks, pipe cleaners and there is no telling where it might take them. One thing I do know, is that it takes them to a world where words are not necessary; it takes them to a world where creativity, feelings and thoughts live. Young children's brains are still developing cognitive abilities and accessing thoughts and feelings with language is many times difficult, especially feelings that are painful. Here is where art comes in.

As an art therapist, I have worked with many children helping them express themselves through play and art. The art becomes the vehicle for them to put feelings down on paper, with clay or through play. Through the process of art and play, I might ask a child to tell me about their art, is there a story to their art piece, who a figure is in their artwork as I remain curious. I would not ask, what is it? why did you draw that? I might role-play with them using their art as a guide.
Children most times do not even need a directive. If the materials are in front of them, they will begin to explore them and begin creating something, especially if I have a few different art supplies out.
Art is a place for them to put nightmares down and let the art hold and contain the images of the nightmare. The picture on the top right is just one example of a child's drawing of a nightmare. He was only 6 at the time of the drawing. There appears to be a sense of control when the child can create images of their feelings and put them into art form. Here, children have the option of adding to it, changing it or leaving it just the way it is.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

THE FEAR OF A R T

Staring at a blank page can be intimidating to say the least. Where to begin? What color to choose? What if I make a mistake? What will others think? What if it's not good enough? These concerns are all the voice of our internal critic playing havoc on our psyche. These messages might be the result of some childhood experience with art or any other experience, where we were told something to the effect of, that's not how you draw a (fill in the blank.) The internal critic is the creature who resides inside of us telling us that we are not good enough or perfect enough.

I remember a creative writing course I took years ago, where we were asked to write about why we were taking the course. I begin my piece by saying that I was taking the course because....As students began to read what they had written, I became numb and wanted to leave the room asap. When the instructor asked what I had written a chill encased my body and I said something to the effect of, "it is not very good and..." The instructor responded, we are all at different places with our writing and you must respect where you are in this creative journey. Hey, I like that I thought. Respect where I am in the process. That makes sense. Whether you are writing, painting, engaging in another creative or self-expressive process, respect where you are in the process. Beginnings can be challenging, but what are the consequences of not beginning? Where would we be if we did not crawl, sit up or walk? The same is true for the creative process. When I began writing poetry, I was told to begin with,"this is a poem about..." I could always go back later and change the first line. The same is true for art, though we can't always change the images, we can add to them, we can add color or shapes to them and we can allow ourselves to be present with the process instead of thinking about the product.

Tip 1: begin with collage - it is less intimidating than drawing. Though you can begin drawing experimenting with color, shape and images.
Tip 2: Focus on process
Tip 3: Remember to have fun
Tip 4: Tap into your beginnner's mind
Tip 5: Leave perfection at the door
Tip 6: Invite imperfection in
Tip 7: Let your heart speak

Next time you come across a blank page, ask it what it wants from you, where it would like you to begin and allow your heart to speak.