Do I Need to be Skilled at Art to Study Arts Therapy?
It is a common misconception that you require artistic qualities to enrol in arts therapy courses. The beauty of arts therapy is that it’s not about creating a masterpiece. Instead, it’s about the process of using different creative mediums – such as drawing, collage, clay, music, or movement – as tools for expression. It is about the process of using creativity as a pathway to self-discovery, healing, and communication.
To give you a feel for arts therapy, here are some simple activities that you can do at home and tap into your creative side:
1. Design a Postcard
Want to get something off your chest? Bring your words to life by decorating them in your own unique style.
If your postcard is to someone who’s caused you pain, try using it as a release – burn it safely as a symbol of moving forward.
2. Draw in Response to Music
Music is a remarkable form of art that often evokes profound emotions. Energise or relax by putting pen to paper and creating art dictated by rhythm and emotions.
3. Bring Motivational Quotes to Life
Do you have a favourite phrase or saying that lifts your spirits? Try cutting the words from old magazines and arranging them into an encouraging display. By taking the words of wisdom from someone else and turning them into something visually inspiring, you’ll experience how simple creativity can spark a sense of encouragement.
4. Give thanks with cards of your own
Focus on words and thoughts of gratitude, expressed in your own unique way. Think about thanking those who are helping you through current challenges, as well as those who have supported you in the past. Even if you’ve already expressed gratitude in person, a card is a thoughtful way to show that their kindness made a lasting difference.
5. Cut and paste a collage
Do you have some spare magazines, newspapers or advertisements lying around? Take a pair of scissors to them, and let your imagination run wild. If you are seeking encouragement in a certain area – love, finances, body image, and so on – focus on images and phrases that lift you up or reflect the goals you want to move toward.
6. Draw your vision of a perfect day
Think about what a perfect day would look like to you and draw or paint it. What about this drawing can you make happen today? Pablo Picasso once said, “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” It’s no surprise, then, that many people around the world use art as a means to deal with stress, trauma and unhappiness – or to just find greater peace and meaning in their lives.
7. Balloon Message
Let go of negative emotions or spread positive ones by attaching a note or drawing to a balloon and releasing it into the sky.
Remember, do not allow yourself to judge your work. After all, there’s no right or wrong way to create art. There’s no way to fail. Just draw, paint, or sculpt freely, and let yourself enjoy the process.
At Ikon Institute of Australia, we aim to provide education with real purpose, achieving this by fostering curiosity and self-development through meaningful learning experiences with our courses in Counselling and Psychotherapy, Arts Therapy, and Early Childhood Education.
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