I was painting an image of a tree last week when I had more paint on my brush than I thought I had and created a big purple splash in the middle of the tree branches. I played with it a while and came to appreciate the shapes that emerged as the paint flowed and eventually dried.
The evolving processes and works of art in art therapy continue to delight me. Whether with clay, pencils, found objects or soft fabrics, the creative experiences and the messages sent by psyche or soul through these experiences, are fascinating to me.
So this blog is called “Paintsplash” in honor of the serendipitous and often deeply transformational moments inherent in the creative process. These moments, sometimes dark, sometimes joyful, are the foundation for the deeply held sense of “see this really works” that grows within the art therapist.
We invite you to share pieces of your creative journey. How are you being touched by, and responding to, this creative, vibrant lived experience? How are you inviting in, and making room for art? Or perhaps, how is art snatching you up and shaking you up today? Maybe with something as simple as a purple paint mess . . .
About the Moderator
Magdalena is the moderator of the online Art Gallery and Paintsplash for Southwestern College. She is also an adjunct faculty member at the college in the Art Therapy program. Magdalena is a therapist at Youth Shelters in Santa Fe, working with Art, Sandplay, and relationship focused techniques with families, adults, teens, and children.
