Art as Therapy: Growth

Obviously, there is great overlap in the functions of art that de Boton and Armstrong describe.  I just know that if I try to make something in response to something I read, I am more likely to read mindfully and try to absorb the essence or lessons from what I read. This little exercise of selecting past work that reflects the functions has made me really think, rather than skim.Growth.Aaah...growth.  Often when I make art, I am practising life skills I want more of! I think that is one of the reasons I am so passionate about teaching.  Where can I practise making an intention and staying on track to bring it to fruition...make art; Where can I practise taking risks and playfully experimenting with new ideas...make art; where can I practise openness and moving beyond my comfort zone...make art.  Where can I learn to feel comfortable with not knowing...make art!Classes with Mel Young and Ann Evers were great opportunities to go outside my comfort zone. (The necklace featured in yesterday's post was made in Mel's class)  At last year's Contemporary Craft Retreat (and more exciting news about that later!) I went to a class run by Susie McMahon where I made a head. Not a speck of polymer in sight. (Mind you there's the unmistakable presence of two favourite elements: pods and Nepal!) Signing up required overcoming a fear of the unknown and being willing to risk failure! Skills I learnt in this class have permeated MY work in a different medium.Let's expand the boundaries of who we are by helping us overcome our chronic fear of the unfamiliar and live more richly by inviting the unknown. (Brainpickings)