Art Update

 

I know I said I would put an update up last week, and I didn’t, I’m a slacker. Well, okay, I’m only kind of a slacker. I’ve been taking care of my new kittens and working on my thesis. I did, however, find three quotes that resonate with me and came up with an art concept to go with each.

“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”  For this quote, I plan on drawing either the Greek or Bushist symbol for strength. I thought about drawing boxing gloves but decided that an older symbol for strength would be more fitting. And it would allow me to do some research, which I find relaxing.

“Aim for the moon. If you miss, you may hit a star.” Back when I was in college I took an art class (which was a ton of fun) and I drew a cloudy sky with the moon. I want to edit that idea a bit, I want to draw the moon, but only half clouds and add stars. I initially did this painting in charcoal, but would love to try it out with watercolor and acrylic.

“I’m learning to love myself, it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done.” As corny as this is, I’m gonna draw a heart and draw a flower wreath around it. I’ve been spending a lot of time working on loving myself, and though it’s still a daily struggle, two things that always make me smile are flowers and hearts.

My problem now is starting these projects, an issue my therapist and I have discussed several times. I have thousands of ideas – seriously, I am never lacking in the idea department, so if you need any let me know. But I lack the discipline or sometimes knowledge or drive necessary to start the many projects I come up with. Hence my therapist’s idea a week or two ago to pick one quote and then start the drawing or painting process.  Well, we can all see how well that worked… I have three ideas. My therapist, of course, asked if there was one that spoke to me more. Unfortunately, as I told her there was not. So which one will I start with? Also, a good question. Most likely I will go and look at art supplies (paper and canvases) and hopefully, a paper or canvas will tell me which one to start with.  As much fun as it would be to do three art projects I think it would be safer to do one at a time. 🙂

I found this post to be very fitting, in my search for self-love and acceptance.I also love Charlie Chaplin, so it was cool that it started with a quote from him. 🙂

AS I BEGAN TO LOVE MYSELF
A Poem by Charlie Chaplin

As I began to love myself I found that anguish and emotional suffering
are only warning signs that I was living against my own truth.
Today, I know, this is “AUTHENTICITY”.

As I began to love myself I understood how much it can offend somebody
As I try to force my desires on this person, even though I knew the time
was not right and the person was not ready for it, and even though this
person was me. Today I call it “RESPECT”.

As I began to love myself I stopped craving for a different life,
and I could see that everything that surrounded me was inviting me to grow.
Today I call it “MATURITY”.

As I began to love myself I understood that at any circumstance,
I am in the right place at the right time, and everything happens
at the exactly right moment. So I could be calm.
Today I call it “SELF-CONFIDENCE”.

As I began to love myself I quit steeling my own time,
and I stopped designing huge projects for the future.
Today, I only do what brings me joy and happiness, things I love to do
and that make my heart cheer, and I do them in my own way and in
my own rhythm. Today I call it “SIMPLICITY”.

As I began to love myself I freed myself of anything that is no good for
my health – food, people, things, situations, and everything that drew
me down and away from myself. At first I called this attitude
a healthy egoism. Today I know it is “LOVE OF ONESELF”.

As I began to love myself I quit trying to always be right, and ever since
I was wrong less of the time. Today I discovered that is “MODESTY”.

As I began to love myself I refused to go on living in the past and worry
about the future. Now, I only live for the moment, where EVERYTHING
is happening. Today I live each day, day by day, and I call it “FULFILLMENT”.

As I began to love myself I recognized that my mind can disturb me
and it can make me sick. But As I connected it to my heart, my
mind became a valuable ally. Today I call this
connection “WISDOM OF THE HEART”.

We no longer need to fear arguments, confrontations or any kind of problems
with ourselves or others. Even stars collide, and out of their crashing
new worlds are born.Today I know THAT IS “LIFE”!

 

Depression Art Project

Over the summer my counselor and I talked about a number of things that I could do to help my depression. One of those was creating art projects, which I have so far failed to do. But the idea was that I would find quotes that speak to me and make a list of them. Then I would pick a quote and create a painting that I would then write an inspirational or motivational quote over. The idea was that I would get to paint my feelings and then put a quote over it to help get my brain out of the negative funk I was finding myself in. And if I kept making them, I would be able to sell them or give them to friends and help lift their spirits. 🙂

As of yet, I have not done a single art piece. In talking to my counselor last week I decided that I should take up this project again. Only this time I wouldn’t create a list (because I tend to be great at coming up with ideas but stick at the follow through) this time I would find one quote that spoke to me and work from there.  Her other idea was to pick a page out of a coloring book and write a quote over that.

My current plan is to look through a dozen or so quotes that I have saved and pick one to start with. I know it will be hard for me to pick, as I tend to save (and share) lots of quotes that put a smile on my face. The reason I save them and share them is because I never know who else needs a pick me up.  When I see positive and motivational quotes on my timeline and “on this day” it reminds me that even though some days are rough and things seem hopeless, there is always hope.

In my attempt to help myself and others this week I will finally start my art therapy projects. It’s time to add the art process to my therapy regiment. I will do one at a time and take pictures as I go that way you can track my progress. If you want to join me I would love to see what you create!  So let’s get out the paints, markers, pencils and paper out and let the healing process continue.