Could this be a good creative outlet for you?

Could this be a good creative outlet for you?

Creating art can provide a sense of control, containment and centering.

“Art provides a non-verbal outlet to express thoughts, feelings, concerns and hopes during a time when words may be difficult to find,” says Lori Mackey, an art therapist at Advocate Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn, Ill.

As an art therapist who works with children, Mackey experiences every day how making art can empower self-awareness and even instill hope.

“Know that it is okay to not know how you are feeling or to not be able to verbalize how you are feeling right now,” Mackey says. “Art can provide a safe space to express and explore what words may not be able to offer at this time.”

Here are some of Mackey’s simple ways to engage in making art:
  • Scribble drawing: Close your eyes and scribble on a piece of paper for 30 seconds. Open your eyes and turn the paper until you see an image in your scribble. Use additional colors (markers, pencils, crayons) to develop your scribble into that image.
  • Magazine collage: Use old magazines and look for words and images that you are drawn to for whatever reason. Cut them out and arrange them in a way that makes sense to you. Glue them onto a blank piece of paper. Perhaps give your collage a title.
  • Mixed media: Use materials readily accessible to you as inspiration to create. Whether painting, sewing, knitting, photography, or drawing, remember that engaging in art making can instill hope, inspire resiliency, and provide a temporary distraction from the stressors around you.

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Comments

4 Comments

  1. Susan J. Winter April 14, 2020 at 9:44 am · Reply

    These tips on what we can do, in a positive way, during this pandemic; is so enlightening for all of us. And my husband and are taking advantage of these suggestions .Thank you so very much!

  2. Melanie A Rebro April 14, 2020 at 2:13 pm · Reply

    For anyone who enjoys painting, the Farmhouse on the south side of Milwaukee has been having free live painting classes several times a week and has kits for sale. I’ve done a few projects and it really helped.

  3. I also write and do a journal I paint I color it is a great way to relax

  4. I also write and do a journal I paint I color it is a great way to relax

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health enews Staff
health enews Staff

health enews staff is a group of experienced writers from our Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care sites, which also includes freelance or intern writers.