Collaging for Self Care
In times such as these, where economic uncertainty and contradiction abounds, anxiety and stress increase. Emotional coping skills are important determinants of enduring chaos and upheaval. The arts have been a main staple in human life for centuries and some of the most influential artists have come out of eras of deep unrest. Currently, art is an expression of symbolism, a means of communicating emotions, a way to connect with community and a therapeutic outlet.
Art Practitioner Pioneers
Margaret Naumburg, who is widely accepted as the founder of the art as therapy movement, believed individuals who were encouraged to express themselves creatively would be healthier. She viewed the creative process as a method of unearthing unconscious emotions and bringing repressed thoughts to the surface. Margaret believed healing was possible when the cognitive and verbal aspects of an experience were identified and expressed symbolically. An art therapy session centered around the combination of these things occurring simultaneously. Margaret wrote several influential books on art therapy, leading contributors in the field. Many publications are still used and referenced as original sources in art therapy literature.
Another major contributor to this field was Hanna Kwiatkowski, a talented Polish sculptor and artist. Hanna moved to the United States and worked at the National Institutes of Mental Health, where she introduced art into the family therapy sessions she conducted. She found creative expression of drawing helped family members process their roles within the family. She also saw the significant therapeutic benefits of the drawing process. She discovered her technique provided relief to families and individuals who who grappled with moderate psychological issues.
There are a number of other influential contributors including, Florence Cane, who encouraged emotional creativity as an art educator, Edith Kramer, who proposed that a process-oriented art-as-therapy approach could define the development of identity, and Elnor Ulman who is credited with establishing the first art therapy journal in the United States. She also initiated one of the earliest training programs in the field.
A Wee Bit of History
Anthroplogists have long discussed the many ways humans have expressed themselves individually and culturally. Art has been used as a means for self-expression, communication and conflict resolution. For thousands of years, cultures across the globe have incorporated carvings, charms, sacred paintings and symbols, to initiate the healing process. Art as therapy only recently gained a foot hold in a publicly accepted profession. The term ‘art therapy’ was coined in 1942 by Adrian Hill, a British artist who discovered the health benefits of painting while recovering from tuberculosis. In the same decade several writers in the mental health field began to describe their work with people in treatment as “art therapy.” No formal courses or training was available combining art with therapy at the time, however it became more and more popular among practitioners.
Now, art therapy is considered a hybrid field influenced by art and psychology. The creative process is used to assist people in treatment, counseling and education to develop self-awareness, address unresolved emotional conflicts, express emotions and improve social skills, while also raising self-esteem. Art as therapy serves to help individuals achieve personal well-being.
Science of Art as Therapy
Research indicates art therapy has been shown to help people of all ages improve communication, concentration and reduce feelings of isolation. It has also been shown to increase self-esteem and self-confidence. It has been demonstrated to be helpful in people experiencing symptoms associate with:
Anxiety
Depression
Substance dependency
Stress/ post traumatic stress
Attention deficit hyperactivity
Aging and geriatric issues
Cancer/chronic illness
Compassion fatigue
Heart disease
Anorexia/bulimia
Cognitive impairments
Family/relationship issues
How Does Art Help?
So, what does this have to do with you? Many people have been impacted by the quarantine, feeling isolated from friends and family can further impeded on a sense of well being and interrupt ways of coping. Using art as a language to help navigate emotional pressures, relationship challenges and health concerns may lead to improved health outcomes.
Some of the most used art exercises are:
Painting
Doodling
Collaging
Sculpting
Drawing
Molding clay
Carving
Pottery
Semantics
If the term ‘therapy’ is unattractive that’s ok. It is meant to be fun, cathartic and a personal adventure. There is no wrong way to create art, perfection is not a useful tool when working with the creative side of the brain. You don’t have to be a natural and the goal is not to create a masterpiece. The goal is simply to explore your internal, emotional world through art. Collaging is a low cost, low barrier way to begin. Magazines, old newspapers, posters, stickers, CD inserts and your own drawings can be cut and pasted in new and unique ways to express your dreams, goals, hopes and sorrows. Cost doesn’t need to be a barrier either because most of these materials you can find by searching free stuff on Craigslist, asking used bookstores if they have any materials they are giving away, calling up the local school or college in the area and seeing if they want to recycle their magazines. Glue, stickers and plenty of other materials can all be found at the dollar store. A good way to proceed is to set up an art station with all your materials within reach.
Maybe dedicate a journal or calendar or giant strip of construction paper to the cause. Practice non-judgement and commit to a completely open mind. You can pick a theme or an idea or choose to focus on a problem you are working through. Remember, collaging is a creative way to help people better understand their thoughts, emotions, and experiences.
Let’s Get Started!
Artistic pursuits can be especially useful for youth who may be vulnerable to judgmental environments, they might not feel like they can be themselves. They may be dealing with a bully or an identity question. It is essential for young people to have a supportive outlet to help identify their values and come to know themselves. Ideas, beliefs and values change over time. Personal experiences, education and relationships help us grow, but we all need ways to cope with these changes. Having an outlet, an art practice or some way to express ourselves without harsh criticism is crucial to a sense of belonging. If you feel called to create an art group for more support meetup.com is a great resource.
Until then, here is a simple collaging exercise to get your imagination sparked.
You will need:
Old magazines, newspapers, picture books, and scrap paper Colored pens and pencils Scissors and glue Cardboard or thick paper for the base of the collage
Begin by:
Reflecting on your core values, i.e., some of the things you feel strongly about. What do you feel good about? Think of someone who inspires you. How do they behave?
Take a mindful minute to close your eyes and focus on your breath. Inhale deeply. Exhale completely. Let the words associated with your values flow into your mind. Write down these words.
Consider what related images or colors and shapes feel connected to these words?
Select the images, words, phrases, or colors from the magazines and newspapers. Use these to compile a collage. It can be image-based or abstract; remember it’s about how words make you feel.
Flow and create whatever comes.
Allow the process to take its course or if you have other pressing things to do, set a timer for an hour and let your imagination free! We would love it if you shared your collage with us! Send us a pic and let us know if it’s ok to share it with our social media community. Your art might inspire someone else who needs it that day!