- by Stephanie Barwick
There is nothing more rewarding
than witnessing the subtle restorative power of the creative process through
the ‘doing’ of the art. There is no ‘content’ just the painting exploration
itself.
The adults I work with live with
a variety of challenges including brain trauma, schizophrenia, bi-polar
disorder, depression and dementia; many are in wheel chairs, no longer able to
walk or with no legs at all. They live in long term care residences without the
proximity of close family or friends.
They are a community unto themselves.
Through an 8-week series of wet
on wet watercolour painting classes, they take a journey through the colours of
the spectrum. All the exercises are designed to bring harmony, balance and
nourishment to their much depleted souls. Some are for restoring their
breathing rhythm; others for enhancing their cognitive abilities, their
memories.
As they become more ‘adept’ with
the medium and begin to ‘master’ the various exercises, the qualities of
self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-worth grow. Their will forces become
stronger – some no longer needing to be guided when they walk or needing their
walkers or canes. Others with dementia become more focused, less diffused. Another young lady, so withdrawn into herself
at the beginning, has opened up and shares herself now quite eloquently at
times! This person, during our last series of classes, had no catatonic
episodes at all. Another person took up activities she’d let go of 8 years ago
when her illness struck; but, then, slipped back to the depression side of her
bi-polar illness and let them go again. Nonetheless, it is one of the many ‘little
miracles’ that have occurred during the course of time working with my people –
so much courage and perseverance.
At the beginning of each class,
we participate together in a Circle viewing each other’s paintings. They are
encouraged to offer their observations. This exercise assists in awakening
their ‘thinking/feeling’ capacities and stimulates their imagination, which
becomes very dried up with medications and the lack of
quality of lifestyle. Through appreciating their paintings without criticism or
judgment, they are also appreciating themselves, the creators of these works of
art. This, in turn, promotes a more positive outlook and attitude towards life
itself.
The 9th week we have
an Art Show displaying their paintings created during the program. This gives each
person a moment in the Sun to shine. And,
Shine they do! Their smiles light up the room. They are all so proud of their beautiful
accomplishments – of themselves.
After the Art Show, we take a
break of several weeks during which time the seeds planted take root, are
digested and assimilated on an inner level. Then, we begin again and they
evolve further in their abilities with the painting process with wonders
continuing to manifest as they become more independent with what they are
learning. It is a very gradual soul growth process that directs itself innately
to the unique needs of each individual. This fills me with Wonder over and over
again!
Stephanie Barwick
“Art Inspiring Life”
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