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.

March 4th –

The poetry of nature is a collection of words that trigger images in our minds. In this Capture Collage, we will combine words and images in a response to poetry, to create collage that expresses our heartfelt relationship to our imaginings of the poetry of nature.

March 18th –

The images that poetic text triggers in our minds can be augmented or emphasized by imaginings of color in nature. We will focus on the poem of the day with collage that harnesses our personal response in color.

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)."