transformative artmaking
The Theory.
Scientific research supports what may of us know intuitively: the act of creating, also known as the creative process, can facilitate a greater sense of well-being and even healing. When we open up to our creative selves, we open to possibility. maverickARThealing workshops and individual sessions use various techniques to encourage exploration into our wise inner knowing.
The Practice.
It's all about the process. The outcome, the art "product" is the icing on the cake. We practice using different modes of mark-making, painting, writing, collage, and multimedia. In a workshop, Robin provides short tutorials on how to use the materials, but the majority of the time is spent experimenting, making, creating. Working in small groups is great because it helps the participants go deeper by feeding off each other's energy and creativity. Robin creates a safe environment where each person feels safe and willing to take risks.
Have Some Fun!
It might not be museum-worthy, but it's a kick! The first piece took a lot of time. It was a really meditative practice that spanned a week's worth of painting, mark-making, stenciling, and layering, something I looked forward to doing after work each day. The second piece is a multimedia collection of color and images I made for my great-niece, Morgan. I love the flexibility and layering possibilities of tissue paper. It's fun to build up the texture, in this case, to resemble (I hope!) the sea. The third piece is part of a collection I made for a class I took called "100 paintings on cheap paper." I used a Gelli Plate, a flexible silicone plate that you use with paint and a stencil to print shapes or images. I love color and the way it allows me to express emotions and a sense of play.