During this Artful Healing offering, we will come together to learn how to enter into the state of “flow” through the creative process. This month’s artwork Pin River-Kissimmee, created by artist Maya Lin, invites in the element of water and the metaphor of the expansive, flowing river. Flow state is a common experience during artmaking and is important for your mental and emotional health.
In the 1960s, Florida’s meandering Kissimmee River was forcefully constrained to a straight channel, resulting in detrimental impacts on the surrounding environment. In response, artist Maya Lin, currently a Lunder Institute for American Art Senior Fellow, mapped the complexity of the river’s original course using hundreds of push pins inserted directly into the gallery wall.
Through this creative process we will learn how to open to and experience surrender in order to allow the natural flow of life to propel us forward, rather than needing to force or control. To achieve this, we will engage in our own Creative Flow Painting Meditation. No previous artistic experience necessary.
Recommended Materials:
- A device to play flowing music on. Today’s recommended song is A River Flows in You or an extended assorted playlist by Yaruma
- Watercolor paper (11”x14” is preferable, but you can use several pieces of smaller paper if that is what you have available)
- A cup with water
- Paper towels
- Watercolor brushes
- Watercolor paints (tray, liquid, or tubes; it depends on your supplies at home and comfort level.)
- Watercolor pencils or watercolor crayons
- Lined or white paper for writing
- A pen or pencil
- If you are an adult, you may choose to light a candle during this process
*The materials listed above are only recommendations. Feel free to use any art materials you have on hand or that you feel inspired to use.
Artful Healing provides an opportunity to practice a series of hands-on activities inspired by artworks in the galleries. Bodhi Simpson, LCPC, ATR, is an art therapist with a private practice in Waterville, Maine, called Conscious Art Therapy. She is also a teaching artist, an adjunct college instructor, and a workshop and retreat facilitator who incorporates creative expression and work with imagination, intuition, and metaphor into the healing process.
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During each Artful Healing session, Bodhi will gently guide participants through a 30-minute creative healing exercise inspired by a work in the Museum’s collection under a monthly theme. This offering will support the development of creative expression, increase your self-awareness, and teach you simple tools to support your emotional wellbeing.
This program is part of the Museum’s wellness initiative, Let Art Inspire, which includes a variety of programs that connect the mind, body, and art in innovative ways. Currently, there are three Let Art Inspire programs, Artful Movements on the first Saturday of each month, Artful Meditation on the second Wednesday of each month, and Artful Healing on the third Monday of each month.
While we are closed to the general public due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ll bring Artful Healing to you in the safety, comfort, and convenience of your home. Artful Healing is available online through the Museum’s website and Facebook page.
Learn more about Bodhi and sign up for her blog at www.consciousarttherapy.com.
For questions, please contact Jordia Benjamin.