This has been a favorite since I finally finished it! There is so much to say about this piece. But first, I need to let you know about the class during which I started this one.
I do art therapy through a group here in Arizona, USA, called Reisilent Health Art Awakenings. Come August of this year, I will have been with them for three years. The class I first started going to is called Process Painting. In Process Painting, we are given a canvas, and we are to use that canvas for that class only, for an entire six weeks. We tend to start by attempting to still our minds. Several deep breaths with our eyes closed, perhaps a 3-minute relaxation meditation. Then the instructor reads from a book what our goal is for the day. It's often in the form of a guided meditation: "You are walking, uncertain of where you are. You come to a stream that is bubbling and bright. What are you feeling as the thick fog surrounding you lifts and colors get brighter? What do you see?" That kind of thing. It's very effective to get the class visualizing our emotions. When the music turns on, it's time to paint. We are to try to allow the music flow and the emotions move through us onto the canvases. Each week, we add to (or cover up) our paintings.
Sounds hokey, right? But it works!
"How are you doing this during the pandemic?", you might ask. We have been using Zoom for all of our groups, and the on-site studio has been supplying, well, supplies. Paint, brushes, canvases. All within reason, of course. For anyone in Arizona looking for good therapy programs, I highly recommend Resilient Health Art Awakenings!!! They have programs for both adults and children, and they keep them totally separate by law.
This painting was about a pouring out of myself and not having enough left for me. Everyone around me was getting my "cake", while I was left with crumbs. It was time to start outpouring my love into myself now.
There are hidden gems in this painting. There is a flaming dragon. There's a phoenix rising. There is a free exchange of love.
What do you see?
Wishing you Healing and Light,
Jenny Hofschneider
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