Art Therapist Emily Tan explains how art can heal, help us recharge and reconnect with ourselves.
In art therapy, the term “open studio” refers to a form of group art therapy that welcomes people from all walks of life. Sessions are usually free and easy, although there may be simple guidelines themes and directives to help participants get started. There is no commitment required to attend every session and new members can join at any time. No prior art experience or skills are necessary, and participants are free to select materials and decide the theme of their artwork.
The idea of starting an open art studio for staff sprouted when the SGH peer support coordinating committee came up with the theme “the more we get together” for this year’s Peer Support Day, which celebrates the strength and beauty in coming together and being there for each other.
SGH Art Therapist Emily Tan, who is also a Senior Medical Social Worker, envisioned “it would be nice to create a quiet space where staff can come to create art individually and/or collectively as a community as a form of self-care”.
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A safe space to create art together
During the session, participants can choose to follow the theme or create something out of the theme. There is no right or wrong way of making art.
A simple line, a symbol, a scribble, or a mark is a form of art expression. Piecing scrap materials together into an object, cutting, kneading or shaping a ball of clay are all creative ways of expressing thoughts, experiences and even memories. The artists would determine the meaning of their artwork.
Everyone is equal once they enter into the space, and every artwork is right. Hence the open art studio has ground rules to remind everyone in the space to respect one another and each other’s artwork.
The group dynamic and processes are very organic. Each artist may choose to talk about his/her own image or be a silent witness to their own or others’ process of art making.
Rest to prepare for the road ahead
Everyone deserves me-time whether or not they are running low on fuel. There is a Chinese saying “休息是为了走更长远的路” (to rest is to prepare for a longer journey, or challenges, ahead). Emily hopes to “provide a place where tired bodies can slip into an unjudged me-time and get in touch with themselves again before they charge back to their busy routine”. She believes in the profound healing attribute of artmaking that emerges quietly from the doing and creating, the trying and failing, the exploring and succeeding, alongside others.
Hence the open art studio offers a relaxed space, simple instructions, and basic materials for participants to express themselves through line, colour, and form.
Exploring possibilities
The session on “Exploring Possibilities” got participants to explore the different perspectives to an object through printmaking.
“Many participants were initially unhappy with their prints despite making different attempts,” shared Emily. “However, they were amazed at how their seemingly unimpressive printed sheets transformed into beautiful card holders and bookmarks as they started to fold them.”
“Sometimes we never know the possibilities until we start exploring, trying and doing,” added Emily.
After the session on “Finding My Balance”, a participant thanked Emily for helping her find her balance through the art making process as she explored, chose, stacked and painted the pebbles provided.
The last session of Open Art Studio takes place on Thursday 25 April, 4.30pm – 6pm, at the Multi-Purpose Room ( former karaoke room) located at Staff Lounge. Come and experience it yourself. Emily and her team may consider holding other sessions in the later part of the year if there is demand.
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