Showing posts with label healing arts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label healing arts. Show all posts

Thursday 23 September 2021

Arts and Wellness Café - Helpful or Not?

Come and join me for the latest episode of Arts and Wellness Café 



In this episode I include how I find keeping a journal is useful.  I had read the Artists Way many years ago and I started to do my 'Moring pages' which is 3 pages of continuous writing first thing in the morning.  I found it really useful to get out my ideas and every now and then I wrote out some really great nuggets of inspiration.

I also examine my interpretation of the differences between a collector and a hoarder.  I thought there were some massive difference, I still do ( I am not sure my family would feel the same way though lol).

For the Art Journal page it is time for us to 'Spread our Wings and Fly and you will see how the page develops.  My main supply used in the Neo-Colors



Tip for the Week - Give yourself time to Create

I give myself time every day to do what I creatively want to do in the studio. So if you give yourself a portion of time you never then feel like you have been robbed or you haven’t got anything done.  I have a range of different things that I would like to try but don’t have the time.  

If I schedule a bit of time for myself I can just enjoy doing that thing or enjoy say working in an art journal or playing with a new supply without any pressure and then you still got time to get on with the work but you have to give yourself permission you have to say this is the time that I will schedule for myself and you stick to it.

You must not do other things in that time like going to hang out the laundry but you need to stick to the time that you have chosen.

You will find that you definitely will grow if you start to do it over a period of time, and you can compare to see how much you are getting done and the quality of your work from when you first started 



Question of the Week - What one nice thing can you do for yourself this week?  This is something you need to think about as we often leave ourselves to last or over look ourselves.


Spotlight Artist of the Week 


We take a look at Rachel Bellamy, Artist and you can check out her new course - The Joy of Motif HERE

Here is an example of her work...



Thank you for joining me, looking forward to hearing what 'nice thing' you are going to do for yourself.




Saturday 22 May 2021

Arts and Wellness Café - Word for the Week - Profound. Art Journal Page, Slow Stitching and More!

Come and join me in the Arts and Wellness Café where the Word for the Week has been Profound.  Check out the video below to hear about some of the things that I am sharing:


Here are the time stamp sections - 



One of the things that helped me through our first lock down as we dealt with the Global pandemic was to start stitching, and I completed many projects. I didn't realize how much I enjoyed slow stitching and creating projects.

Here are some projects that I am working my way through and I have been creating some smaller pieces as well.


This piece incorporates stitching with hand dyed wax resist fabrics


I like working on more than one piece at a time and here are some additional stitched pieces that are coming to a close. (I will share in another post.


Art Journal Page

You also get to see in this video how you can get rid of some of your neglected art supplies and create a lovely art journal page and here are some that I shared.


Applying the paint and using stencils to create a design enables you to make some really lovely background pages ready for when you next have time to work on them.


I had intended to use several stencils, but only used two for these pages.  It was lovely working in the journals, I had one main one and used two others to use up the extra paint I had on the pallet.  The paints are reasonably priced and over they years I have collected quite a few, so want to use some of them up before they dry out.  I have put the links to some of the supplies I used.

Supplies:
Folk Art - https://amzn.to/2Rw6MT9
Martha Stuart Paints - https://amzn.to/3yrKqTr
Apple Barrel - https://amzn.to/3vdYhL0
Stencils (one of the stencils is a recycled lid) - https://amzn.to/3hL5bmY

Come and join me on Patreon


For as little $3 each month you have access to patron only content and will receive the following


    • 30 minutes of creativity monthly video Tutorial

 Reference Photos
    • You will have access to two albums of high quality reference photos.  You can use them in your own art, art journals etc
    • 2 Additional downloadable backgrounds


 Art Journal Bundle (after 2 months) Includes
    • 5 Downloadable Art Journal Backgrounds
    • 31 Art Journal Prompts Book
    • 4 Handmade Art Journal Tutorials
    • 4 videos - Creating Backgrounds
Monthly Art Videos 
    • You will receive a short Monthly Art video sharing either a technique/Supply/Hints/Tips or prompt
    • Weekly Inspirational shorts video
    • Patron only content
    • Arts and Health Network Free membership
    • Early access to any discounts promotions 
    • A copy of my free eBook "25 ways to fit Art and Creativity into your Life 
    • My undying gratitude & genuine thanks! 








Wednesday 19 June 2019

Podcast Episode 96 - Arts and Wellness






In today's show I share with you my work in the field of Arts and Health.

As a mixed media artist I work with a variety of mediums and tools to express myself in my work.  I completed my degree in Complimentary Therapy, at the University of Westminster specializing in Nutrition and Massage Therapy, and saw the benefits of improving diet and the use of different forms of massage and essential oils. I could see clearly the link between diet, health and well-being. Alongside this I painted and wrote about art and creativity, and wanted to further explore the impact of creative activities on our health and well-being.

Inspiration
My journey into Art and Health started to take shape after my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. I was making the transition to a self-employed artist and I was driven to look at meaningful ways that art could impact on others and enable me to share my passion. By chance I asked my mum if she wanted to do some art she would normally say no, this time asked what I wanted her to draw. I gave her a picture and paper and some art supplies and said, try this and she didn’t look back. I was shocked that an hour and a half later my mother was still engaged and enjoying drawing her version of the image I had given her.

As the years went by I gave my mum more and more creative things to do. I realized that Art could play a big part in working with those who had physical or mental health challenges, including those whose illness caused mental distress for themselves and those who cared for them. Art could impact and benefit people from all walks of life and act as a preventative measure.


My Mother Mavis enjoying her art activity

I started to do my own research and training, looking at ways to develop workshops that could impact on the health and well-being of the participants whether they presented with a health challenge or not. I ran art and creativity workshops for a special Dementia Day Care Center in London for those with varying degrees of Dementia and other conditions for over 3 years and alongside this presented on a local radio show talking about creativity and the positive health benefits that can be gained and I collaborated with other artists and spoke at seminars and conferences on the benefits of creative activity.

The Need for Research

There has been quite a lot of research done on the impact of the arts and health across the board especially in the UK and the USA, and wider afield not only visual art, but dance, theatre, music, storytelling and more;

  • The arts are being used in different health environments hospitals, homes, centers, waiting rooms where both for staff, visitors and patients were being impacted in a positive way, both as active and passive participants;
  • Stroke, Children’s, geriatric and cancer wards found that art and creative activities helped patients deal with the emotional stress that was a result of their illness and the proceeding isolation;
  • Art and colour is often used to design interior and public outdoor health spaces, across communities and there seem to be whole movement of people who could give positive feedback to the work they had been doing in the creative field;
  • It has been identified with providing solutions and as a means of prevention, to those who previously would have been prescribed antidepressants, or it has been shown as an outlet for people who are isolated or feel lonely;
  • Where arts and creative activity were being promoted in the local community it got individuals out of the house, and programs were developed which also impacted on their physical health and nutrition.
Art on Prescription?


I further enhanced my training with a series of courses that led me look at how to setup a social enterprise that supported, engaged and encouraged the community.  I also looked at the ways in which you could to use reminiscence in a creative way, and measure the impact of the work done.

I created a series of creative reminiscence programs that included music, art, and discussion in a relaxed atmosphere, and followed on not only working with those with dementia, but their carers and others working in a health care environment. I also had the opportunity to do a series of training seminars in France and Norway and give presentations on my work with the elderly in the UK. 


I was also involved in a project called Community Health Lab - ‘Art on Prescription’ with a remit to show how effective a creative activity could be on improving the lives of the ‘hard to reach’ communities. Included on the program was dance, movement, horticulture and art therapy. We received funding to work with artists and creatives across the board to deliver a program where individuals could either self-refer or be referred by their GP to take part in a series of 6 workshops.

We were able to show through monitoring their blood pressure, and weight, and a general mental health questionnaire at the beginning and end of the program that taking part in the workshops had a specific impact on the participant’s health and well-being and they also showed improvement in any feelings of isolation. Art Therapists have been recognized by the NHS and work in all areas of health, combined with a large number of artists who use art as a therapeutic tool.

Realityarts – Creativity for Change


I set up Realityarts – Creativity for Change, which seeks to engage, encourage and inspire individuals in the use of art and creativity and bring about change in their health. I feel that it is important that we connect and impact communities with inter-generational arts projects so we get people across generations sharing their experience and learning from each other. I am passionate about creativity, and getting people involved in some way, looking at ways in which we can use art to communicate, tell our stories and share these stories that tell of our own journeys.

Art as a therapeutic tool

I believe that the creative process is very important and everyone one can get involved in some way – even if it is just to visit an art exhibition or go and see a play or open air event. When we have access to the arts across all levels of society we can see the positive impact on communities and lives, we hear about the stories and traditions, the old wives tales and the ‘stories ‘granny’ used to tell’. It helps bring together the different generations of a community, it passes on the history and is captured through the creative activity.

Developing art programs can have several benefits:

· Arts programs have powerful results that can have a positive effect on physical health, mental health, and it also helps improve social functioning.

· Arts and Creativity activity is important for our development. For the older adults it is vitally important that there is a continued emphasis on helping them to keep active and mentally stimulated.

· Involvement in programs that calls on older adults to participate, sharing their knowledge, wisdom and stories has been shown to impact on their health and encourages older adults in maintaining their independence and decrease feelings of depression and loneliness. 

Reminiscence is a way of calling the past to mind, particularly positive events, people, or places, to improve older adults' outlook on the present by increasing socialization and self-esteem, improving communication skills, and reducing isolation and anxiety. Listening to music and telling stories stimulate participants to resurrect these memories and focus on what remains. 

The arts contribute to communicating, building a sense of identity, and strengthening social networks in communities.
The arts help create elder-friendly communities in which older adults are able to thrive and function regardless of their ability.

Art in the Environment

There are so many ways in which art and creativity can impact on the health of an individual not just in an art session, but also within the environment. Health organisations and departments in the UK continually look at ways to improve the working environment that also benefits the patients with initiatives such as Paintings in Hospitals, Hospital waiting area exhibitions, and music recitals all which go to lifting up the spirits of those who work or who are being treated. There are many other initiatives that have been promoted.

I currently run an online network for NHS organisations who want to connect with other like-minded organisations developing work in Arts and Health. I work online with other artists creating and developing art workshops which look at the way in which we can encourage the community, using art, art journalling, and art as a therapeutic tool to working on a deeper level that will improve health and well-being. I also run art and creativity workshops and seminars helping organisation’s develop their own programs for staff and the local community and look at the impact of art and creativity on our health. I also create videos of art processes, health, gardening on my YouTube channel. This has also extended over social media where I work with artists and small businesses and offer consultations helping them to develop creative ways to improve their social media presence. 


I have worked with the the Barbados Alzheimer’s Association, giving talks at their conferences, Seminars and Participation program about my role as a carer to those affected by dementia and those working in health care and how you can use creative activities.  You need to equip yourself with information and knowledge, more and more people are affected - the whole community, and it is important to attend some of the sessions that are run and get involved in the work they are doing.

I would love you to be able to access more things without breaking the bank that you can use as a creative activity.  If you would like to work with me or looking for some encouragement to undertake your creative activity you can schedule 2 Free Sessions of  Creative Encouragement


Creative Encourager 
I would love to hear from you, what are you working on at the moment, where do you get your creative inspiration from.

Check out some of the links - Arts and Health NHS Network
Remember to book your free sessions for some Creative Encouragement and be on your way to an amazing creative adventure!
Stay blessed and be a blessing.

Wednesday 21 November 2018

Mixed Media Play Date (MMPD) - GIVEAWAY



I hope that you are having a blessed day where ever in the world you are and you have been checking out some of artists that are on the Mixed Media Play Date 2019.  

Listen to the Podcast


By now many of you will know that I am a Guest Artist and will be playing along and sharing a fantastic lesson!  

I am so excited about being able to teach alongside a group of AMAZING artist instructors!  

More Information


The Mixed Media Play Date is a new mixed media collaboration intended to bring you endless inspiration, amazing fun, freedom in creativity and community that are supportive and encouraging and it is hosted by Tiare Smith, you’ll be immersed in gratitude, happiness, and fun from day one. 

And if you think you don’t have enough time to create - there is help, if you don’t know where to begin - there is help, if your inner critic keeps talking and you need someone to lift you up - there is help, and if you need inspiration or you simply want to find your own inner voice then the Mixed Media Play Date is for you! Designed to teach, be a guide, inspiration and a friendly place for you to be yourself and thrive!


I am exciting to be a part of this amazing initiative. and there will be so many wonderful things you will be able to enjoy along with us:

You will have Bucket Loads of FUN on top of:
Monthly Challenges and prizes!

New lessons each month!

Weekly new tutorial videos!

Creative prompts!

Writing prompts!

Online pajama parties!

Dance breaks!

Giveaways!
Access to tons of creative content…videos, workshops and MORE!!


For my lesson we will be creating some delicious backgrounds and I will be showing you how you can have fun with them when creating your images, it is time to Dance to the Beat of your Own Drum!!



If you would like to see examples some of my work you can check out my YouTube Channel




Registration/Membership opens on December 1, 2018.  For the early bird discount CLICK HERE  


Do you want to WIN A FREE Year Long Spot on this Online Course with Us?

I have 1 spot to GIVEAWAY!

To enter (each action gives you an additional chance to be entered in the Giveaway):
Contest closes Monday 26th November at Midnight (AST) 
Winner Announced on 27th November

GOOD LUCK!!
Each day up to December 1st, Tiare will be introducing you to a different Artist Instructor,  who will be making daily giveaways, so you will have extra opportunities to win a spot by visiting each artist!!
It is going to be an amazing 2019, check out some of the other artists below to learn more about them.

List of Artist/Instructors - Nicci Battilana, Katrina Koltes,
Marielle Stolp, and our Host Tiare Smith.


Remember Registration/Membership opens on December 1, 2018.  For the early bird discount CLICK HERE  



Sunday 5 November 2017

Art Journal Page - Background Bonus No 5

Blessings for you and yours, welcome to the 31 Art Journal Series backgrounds bonus.  This is the last day of the 31 Art Journals.  I hope that you have managed to see something that has pricked your interest in creating your own art journal..

Over the month you have been shown a series of art journals made from different materials, and 31 different tips to encourage you to work in your art journal.  On top of that you have also been shown a series of background videos to give you additional tips to creating backgrounds.

When you think about all the Art Journal tips, decide which ones you already incorporate into your journal practice and which ones you can start if you need to, you don't have to do them all at once it can be done over a period of time.





Check out today's background video to see how you can create those backgrounds using a few simple materials, and as you look back over the posts it will give you a great place to start.  If you need to check out the 31 Art Journals you can go HERE

The Video


Here is another easy way in which you can create your own background pages. Just add color and play with your supplies on the page and before you know it you have a great surface to work on further.  Enjoy!

Sunday 29 October 2017

Art Journal Page - Background Bonus no 4



Blessings for you and yours this Sunday, and welcome to the 31 Art Journal Series backgrounds bonus.


If you didn't catch the background bonus from last week you can see it HERE and HERE

Here is a reminder of yesterdays tips, see which ones you already incorporate into your journal practice and which ones you can start if you need to.





Check out today's background video to see how you can create those backgrounds using a few simple materials.  In this video I am using pastels and gesso.  I do like the effects you can get with pastels but don't like using them in the traditional way, so I use them to create backgrounds and blend with the gesso.

I also show you how you can change your mind when working on a page, to suit, don't be afraid, now therwill be no excuse not to start!

The Video




Stay blessed and be a blessing, now go and create something!


Saturday 28 October 2017

31 Art Journals Weekly Tips No 4 - Recaps, Giveaways and bonuses

Welcome to the 4th recap for the month.  We are coming to the final countdown of Art Journals in the Series, and I hope that you have been inspired and managed to make the most of your time and to incorporate some art journaling for yourself.  Remember to check out the Sunday Background videos to give you some really quick ideas for creating a background that you can build on.  

Today we will recap on the videos for the week, think about what might have been your favorite style of journal.  If you haven't had time to check them out during the week and catch up below. 

Lets look at some Art Journal Tips that you can put into practice, I hope that you can find something that will encourage you.



Art Journal Tips


1. Gesso is your best friend, and has many uses in your journal, become familiar with it.

2. If something isn’t working the way that you want it to do some research and find out what you need to, there is so much information and examples, teaching, tutorials online you are spoilt for choice.  Use your journal to help you grow and work through these times.

3. Do not be afraid to try something new

4. Push your boundaries in your journal, this is the perfect place to experiment.

5. Select materials and tools you’re not familiar with and experiment, get out of your comfort zone, you might actually like them.

6. Think about why you want to cover something up, is it part of your process or are you running away from a truth that needs to be expressed on your page

Now for the Video Recap...

Check out these videos if you missed them during the week.


No 21


No 20


No 19


No 18


No 17

I would love to hear from you.  I have one space in the 'Hacking the color Wheel course' that I am teaching on to give away.  Leave a comment here on the blog or on my Youtube channel on your favorite Journal.

I will also be giving away a series of bonuses 

  •  31 Art Journal tips - printable
  • 5 art journal background for you to keep 
  • How to make 4 Art Journals as part of the 31 Art Journal series pdf
  • 4 Background videos for extra journaling ideas


when you sign up for the Hacking the Color Wheel course HERE

Wednesday 25 October 2017

31 Art Journals - No 19 - Directories Journal


Welcome, today's Art Journal was made from an old A5 telephone directory, and there are three that you will see made in slightly different ways over the next few days. 

Art Journals as I have said can take many shapes and forms and the only thing that will stop you is your imagination.  You can go from really complete to ultra simple




The pages to this directory were stuck together, gesso was added and then the pages were embellished with textures and lots of other vintage materials.

This is a great way to experiment with ideas and take it as far as you wish.  You can see further how they were made HERE

See if you have got any directories laying around and use them to create an art journal.  You can always if you wish practice with the different materials in the journal, and you can try and manipulate the pages.


Thank you for checking out this journal, check out the video and let me know what you think. 

The Video



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