I have asked the lovely Lianne, an Art Teacher from art school ‘Connect Create Empower’ to share about Creative Self-Expression ahead of our workshop in September to help us all better understand how creative expression after journeying with the drum can only not deepen your experience but also even re-frame your relationship with your creativity.
“Two of the most common things I hear from people speaking about their art are:
1. I used to love art but since I left school/college I just don’t get round to doing any
2. Oh…I’m no good at art! I am terrible at drawing.
Both of these responses make me sad. The first simply because as adults we very often don’t allow ourselves the pauses in life to do things we love. The things which bring us simple and pure enjoyment without there being another purpose. The second because in so many cases, the true essence of art has been lost. Art is so often something experienced as a child. The fun and experimentation bringing joy until at some point (maybe very young or later on at school) judgement creeps in. Be it from a parent or teacher, or self-judgement on seeing the artwork of others.
This is where the true nature of art is lost. Suddenly, art has to be something. Or it needs to look totally representational and skillful to be admired. We forget the freedom we had in simply expressing ourselves and the pleasure we took in the exploration- the feel of the brush on the paper, the joy of mixing colours together to see what they make, the opportunity to create something unique. We lose sight of how vastly different art can truly be and the way in which artists so often become famous for standing out through creating something radically unique. Our relationship with art often becomes part of something bigger; our ability to play, to be different to others, our desire to stay small and not stand out, even our beliefs around what is right and wrong. So often children are taught there is a right way to ‘do art’ and more so, so many wrong ways.
Creative Self-Expression allows space to re-experience art and restore a balance and trust in our own creative abilities. In these sessions, the space is set for freedom, possibility, exploration and a trust in your own creative voice. No right or wrong. No good or bad. Together, we re-write any stories or beliefs about what art is (or isn’t) and open ourselves back up to the opportunity for pure free expression. We discover the beauty in the marks, colours, gesture and uniqueness of each piece and celebrate the discovery or awareness gained through what is created. We open the door to being our own artist.”
