6th parents academy
Having never attended an art therapy lecture before, I understand that it is related to human psychology and care. Last week’s session covered music therapy, and today’s focus is painting.
Upon entering the classroom, I noticed paper, colored pencils, and what seemed to be letters on each desk, though only about half of the participants were present. I have learned that I will have less time when my children become elementary school students, as they will finish their school day around noon, which is why children often attend Hwkwon to delay their return home. I would like to express my appreciation that my children are currently in kindergarten, where they complete their regular courses around 4 p.m., even though evening extra care is provided.
There are two distinct art therapy painting sessions. The first session involves drawing on a rainy day, utilizing materials provided on the desk. Before beginning the drawing, participants are given two minutes to contemplate the scene in their minds and the atmosphere of the rainy day. Following the drawing, there is a questionnaire to address what was drawn, who the participant is with, the emotional state depicted in the picture, and the intensity of the rain, ultimately leading to the creation of a story about the artwork.
The teacher then invites a few volunteers to share their drawings and explain the state of their minds as reflected in their art. Some interpretations of the drawings that I recall include how the intensity of the rain represents the stress one is experiencing, while any protective gear symbolizes mental protection. However, the central theme emphasizes that the mindset or expression in the picture is the most significant aspect, regardless of the level of stress.
The second session involved backdrop painting, a technique I was unfamiliar with. We were provided with color paints, canvases, tools, and sketch paper to use as palettes. It was a unique experience to concentrate on a single task, making time pass quickly, even though I wished it would slow down. The teacher’s guidance was minimal, yet she shared her impressions of my painting.
It was encouraging to have someone show interest in my work, especially since I often prefer to work alone. The interesting material, which I don’t know the name of, resembled a white cream that needed to be mixed with color paint on the white paper. We then used a tool to paint our desired images onto the canvas. I felt a strong urge to use all of the cream, covering the entire canvas. It was a wonderful moment to experience a sense of flow after such a long time. I hope to experience it more often.
