Expressing feelings through art
On Monday the volunteers went back to Letaba school, taking with them paints, crayons, party packs, with an assortment of plastic musical instruments and some bottles of bubbles.There were approximateley 15 children who appeared pleased to see us again and quickly joined in the activities. Their enthusiasm apparent as we had no more paper to draw and paint on! Swtching however to the younger children showing them how to blow bubbles and play with the musical toys was fun and sad atthe same time, knowing that we would not be coming back this trip to do these creative activties with them. This seems such a small step at present , but brings such joy that is all worth while.
The objective of the work with the children is to enable them to express themselves using art as the medium, giving freedom of expression without limitations.
Although we are not therapists, we base our work on a recognised therapy, Art therapy.
For many years, art therapy has been recognised as a way of helping people cope with mental illness. Many health professionals think it may:
- Encourage you to express your emotions, which could help improve your relationship with others
- Encourage you to be creative and self confident
- Help control anxiety, depression and low self esteem
- Help take your mind off pain or discomfort
Our aim with the children as we have mentioned above is to help them express themselves freely
By Roger Mallins, March 27, 2010 @ 11:24 am
Hi
So nice to see a great deal of colour.Good art is colour as with the famous French impessionists Gaugain,Renoir,Cezanne and Picasso. Definately lots of beautiful colours.Old art was called NAIVE (1489-1520) but absolutely also fantastic like your pupils.GREAT GREAT GREAT.
By Lindsey and John, April 1, 2010 @ 9:44 pm
Hopefully the children will remember the happy times they had with you and will be able to use art as therapy in the future We’re very pleased your project is going well.