Artsoup, July 2019

Another term has whizzed by. Our Saturday group has continued to see friends travelling from far and wide to share the joy of creative expression. The artworks created never cease to amaze. Everyone seems to inspire each other and results are very next level. It is always full of laughter, fun, uplifting and very powerful.

We have been very excited to link Art Therapy, Play Based learning and Growth Mind-set in the work we have been doing with children. We believe life is about balance and all people require a balance.

With National Standards many schools allowed the creativity to get lost. All people need creative expression for balance and well-being. Creative expression does not mean drawing. It can be in many forms from gardening to cooking to construction, to flower arranging and making music. It does not matter what form it takes but it is critical that we allow ourselves to creatively express. To take that away or diminish its importance has contributed to the anxiety and stress that we see in our world today.

We are excited to be further developing Growth Mind-set strategies for working with children, as this is actually the basis of the very successful pilot schemes we have previously run in schools around, ‘Empowering Children and Raising Self Esteem through Creative Expression.’ Creative Expression is unique to the individual so by celebrating this quality, it sets a great foundation for personal acceptance, growth and a feeling of success. For some children who have never felt that feeling of success, this is very powerful and healing. Creative expression and Art Therapy also allows a voice. To allow our subconscious to express that which cannot be said in words. We are very excited to be using this powerful tool in our work.

And a personal note.

I recently posted on Artsoup’s wall a link about the drawings done by children in detention centres in America. The black lines of the drawings depicting a prison cell remind me of the black lines in my paintings that I created prior to my own Art Therapy training and healing. This is very timely as over the last couple of days I have again been painting. I reflect on my own subconscious symbolism. Circles of completion and an array of colours, reflections and positivity. This artwork will form the basis of my second set of motivational cards with my own healing journey as the insights. These will be for sale from this website in the future. EXCITED! WHAT a ride!

Here is picture of a previous piece of art and several from my current creation.

Feeling very proud!

Please email if you would like a pack holding for you. artsoupnz@gmail.com

Susan