If you've ever asked yourself the question, "Now, how am I going to get through this?" you may find an answer in an unusual place. For those of you familiar with typical techniques for processing emotions and traumatic events (deaths, illnesses, abuse, addiction, etc.) such as journaling, talk therapy, support groups, exercise, meditation and yoga, etc., etc.; you may reconsider painting. But not the "I'm going to paint a vase of flowers" type of painting. A "change your clothes, buy the biggest canvas you can afford and a box of disposable gloves and finger paint" kind of endeavor!
Yes! A journey through the abstract form is a terrific way to process those emotions you have to repress just to get through the workday, fulfill your daily responsibilities, and carry on as usual. I tried this recently and although I added paint pens, collage, some brush work and sacred geometry - the idea is to paint "without a plan". Painting without a plan is a beautiful way to pay tribute to someone who has passed - either literally or figuratively in your life; process difficult emotions such as regret, shame, anger, rage, grief or jealousy. Or move forward through trying times. Just keep it simple. Don't think about what you want your final product to look like. Think about what you want to feel when you're painting it. Maybe you are drawn to repetitive geometric shapes such as crosses, rectangles, triangles, circles, etc. Maybe you are drawn to organic shapes that take on a life (and an emotion) of their own. Perhaps you are attracted to one or two colors or the interplay of many. Have fun! Splatter your canvas with a toothbrush after dipping it in acrylic, use an old sponge to dab on layers of texture, use latex gloves to smear with your hands, add and remove color with a rag. There are so many possibilities! The important thing is that your painting process resembles "play". Turn the canvas around, upside down, sideways. And stay there for 15 minutes. I first got these ideas from the book Brave, Intuitive Painting by Flora Bowley. She also recommends incorporating dance and yoga into the mix. I was dumfounded when I found myself mesmerized by a large sheet of paper and a large collection of well-used crayons and confronted with the opportunity to fill the page however I wanted. There is something immensely freeing about using crayons. It brings you back to a time when there were no rules, where there were no expectations - only exploration was expected - with a focus on process not product. This was what initially engaged my efforts and spawned the new abstract phase I am currently in. However, with a raw emotional scar in the recent past, these crayons meant more to me than just an open road - they were a gateway to the sorrow I had pushed down for so long. It was the kindling for my artistic fire, and, in a way, the path to my ultimate survival. I went home and immediately attacked a canvas I had reserved for "higher" art and created a "vibe" piece - very chill, ambient art meant to create atmospheric effects. I left the representational behind and painted bravely. In this way I returned to my true self. So I encourage you - even if you are not an artist - to go to your local art store and stock up on the weird and the wacky (sponges, stamps, even stickers!), a canvas board and your favorite colored paint and take yourself on your own visual journey! Remember, it's not about the product, it's about the process. You may just find yourself in the process! Happy Trails! -Betty Lynn
First abstract painting after crayon experiment. Chill, ambient, "vibe" piece. Inspirations: birds, meadows, tulips, sacred geometry, the sun, the Twin Towers.
DISCLAIMER: Painting should never substitute professional help if you need it. This blog is not intended to be advice in any professional manner. If you need help please seek professional help.
0 Comments
|
Details
AuthorBetty Lynn is an artist, educator, yoga and meditation teacher, and illustrator. ArchivesCategories |