Personal creative expression is inherent in us all and collage doesn’t require an artistic skillset. It can be a way to tap into your stream of consciousness and foster the mindfulness of being present in a creative moment. Every choice is personal and expressive of your inner choices and, in this case, how you see nature and what it prompts from within you. There is no right or wrong choice when making collage. The process is intuitive and cathartic.

February is a month full of meaning. The first of February 2022 is the Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year. The second of February 2022 is Groundhog Day when we will find out if winter will last another six weeks or we’ll enjoy an early spring. The origin of Groundhog Day is rooted in astronomy, and the movement of the Earth around the Sun. In the Northern Hemisphere, it is the midway point between our winter solstice in December and our spring equinox in March. What apt nature symbology for a February 7th Capture Collage morning.

Our morning will start with a few minutes outdoors to awaken our senses. Afterward, we’ll head inside for a nature poem prompt and personal collage responses. All materials will be provided. Open minded presence is all that required. So let go and layer!

"The American Art Therapy Association (AATA) states that expression through visual art can bring forth what we struggle to put into words. Still, it can be difficult for some people to approach artistic expression because of a mental block that “they are bad at art” or “not an artistic person.” This mindset is inconsequential for two reasons: one, art is subjective and therefore no one can be objectively “bad” at art; and two, as far as artistic expression is concerned, the benefits are found in the process rather than the product. Value lies in “finding associations between the creative choices made and a client’s inner life” and not in the artistic value of whatever is being expressed (Psychology Today).

One specific form of art, collage, is a good option to try when you know there is something you want to express but don’t know how to begin. Collaging helps overcome this mental block because it does not necessarily require the typical “skills” of drawing or painting (but they can of course be added if you want!). Collaging is similar to verbal language in that we choose from a bank of already-created words or images to express an idea or emotion; when making a collage, we can choose already-created pieces from magazines, books, posters, stickers, ticket stubs or other memorabilia in order to express an idea or emotion.

While you are collaging, try not to analyze yourself or the creative choices you are making, and simply allow yourself to cut and glue with an open mind. Wait until after you are done with your creation to search for “the nonverbal messages, symbols, and metaphors” that “can be used as a springboard for reawakening memories and telling stories that may reveal messages and beliefs from the unconscious mind” (Psychology Today)."