Making an Art of Worry
By Elyse Jacobs
Worry can be transforming. But what can you do with worries that won't leave even when you've mined them for life lessons, behavior strategies and new visions? I suggest that you recycle them: turn them into art.
Here's how:
1. Describe your worry in words. You may want to write a story or poem about it.
2. Express your worry in an image.
3. Find materials that capture the essence of either the worry or image.
4. Explore the materials and how they connect. You may want to write on them, add images from magazines or photos.
5. Observe your changing emotions as you begin to play with the materials.
The transformation may occur during the art making itself or later on. Often by hanging it up and observing it, you may uncover new issues that need more work.
I've been working with forgiveness. Forgiveness seems to be one of those issues that reappear throughout your lifetime. I'd written a poem about it:
Smudge neglected
On the Mirror of Forgiveness
Cloud hands
Circle softly
I watch;
It disappears.
The image of a mirror of forgiveness stayed with me. The next time the same issue of forgiveness surfaced, I searched my studio for something to express it more deeply. Finding eight little mirrors connected by fishing wire, I wrote the poems on the mirror. Hanging them up, I watched the mirrors swing and spin in the breeze from an open window. Light shadows danced around the room. I smiled, surprised at how quickly I let go the deep remorse and grief I'd been feeling.
For more ideas on how to transform worry and other depleting emotions, visit our website.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elyse_Jacobs
Worry can be transforming. But what can you do with worries that won't leave even when you've mined them for life lessons, behavior strategies and new visions? I suggest that you recycle them: turn them into art.
Here's how:
1. Describe your worry in words. You may want to write a story or poem about it.
2. Express your worry in an image.
3. Find materials that capture the essence of either the worry or image.
4. Explore the materials and how they connect. You may want to write on them, add images from magazines or photos.
5. Observe your changing emotions as you begin to play with the materials.
The transformation may occur during the art making itself or later on. Often by hanging it up and observing it, you may uncover new issues that need more work.
I've been working with forgiveness. Forgiveness seems to be one of those issues that reappear throughout your lifetime. I'd written a poem about it:
Smudge neglected
On the Mirror of Forgiveness
Cloud hands
Circle softly
I watch;
It disappears.
The image of a mirror of forgiveness stayed with me. The next time the same issue of forgiveness surfaced, I searched my studio for something to express it more deeply. Finding eight little mirrors connected by fishing wire, I wrote the poems on the mirror. Hanging them up, I watched the mirrors swing and spin in the breeze from an open window. Light shadows danced around the room. I smiled, surprised at how quickly I let go the deep remorse and grief I'd been feeling.
For more ideas on how to transform worry and other depleting emotions, visit our website.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elyse_Jacobs
