3. Part 1: Basic Elements
LoriKreinStudios 2013
Clients
Art
You
Therapy
Groups
(optional)
4. Part 2: Your Role
Therapists
Other
Art
Therapist
Artist Student
Teacher
LoriKreinStudios 2013
5. Me
Degree in business/computers
AT&T and Corporate Training Consultant
Master’s in OD
Learned collage for fun
Rented a studio, taught friends, then others, kept
expanding…less and less corporate training,
more art
Expressive Arts entered the picture
LoriKreinStudios 2013
6. Where Does Expressive Arts Fit
In?
Art
Classes
Art Therapy Therapy
Expressive
Arts
LoriKreinStudios 2013
What’s the difference between Expressive Arts, and Art Therapy, or Psychodrama or other forms of art therapy? The definition of Expressive Arts is a gray area, and is constantly changing. The main difference is that Expressive Arts covers multi-modal The basic elements of expressive arts are art supplies, a facilitator (you), processing of the work (therapy) and a group of people. In my practice, I have found it helpful to do this work in a group environment, but there are benefits and drawbacks. Take a moment to write a paragraph to share your thoughts about the benefits and drawbacks of doing expressive arts in a group setting. Then, move on to the next video segment.
Most people have heard of Art Therapy. But not everyone has heard of Expressive Arts as a therapeutic tool. Who does this work? Expressive Arts Practitioners come from a variety of backgrounds, including Artists, therapists, teachers, art therapists, dancers, people with a background in theater, music, writing, or poetry.
Continuum…artists on one end, therapists on the other, art therapy in the middle…I’m sort of on this side somewhere. People aren’t coming for therapy, nor are they coming to learn how to paint, or to draw. They are coming to express themselves…to connect with others, to make a mess, try something new.
Nuts and bolts of my workshops: I show students what I have in the studio…decorative art papers, found objects, string, fabric, paints, glues, canvas and cardboard, brushes. I show them the basics (tearing/cutting? Gluing) Sometimes we do a short guided meditation. Then, most people just start working. Some folks are there to learn about collage. But most end up creating something that reflects how they’re feeling, and end up chatting with the other people in the room about what’s going on for them. Sort of like group therapy. I think part of it is that most of the people don’t know each other, so maybe they feel more comfortable sharing with strangers. My classes are not expensive. I keep my prices low so people will attend frequently. Many people attend for 6 months to a year. It takes time for some people to open up, but once they do, it’s like opening the flood gates.…one student was so quiet the first three or four times she came…then, slowly, she started opening up and ended up sharing many of her issues and stories and struggles. She needed to feel safe, as she had been in an abusive relationship and had trust issues. One woman lost her husband in a motorcycle accident, they had a 6 year old…she spent 4 months in the studio working on two projects as a memory of him.
One woman struggled with eating disorders for a long time, coming to the studio helped her face her demons. There are many stories I can tell, as I am sure you can as well, but what I wanted to find out was what questions you might have about what I am doing. . …I think its the combination of an open-ended art situation; materials that are not intimidating (papers vs. pencils or paintbrushes) and being in a group environment.
Creating in a community environment is another element of what happens in my studio. People first share about their art projects, then as they come back week after week, they begin to trust each other and share more and by telling their stories, they are able to move forward in their lives. Often their emotions are revealed in their art…and they tell me stories about how they weren’t aware of that fact until after they leave the studio, on the next day…they look at the art they created and say…”I was feeling angry…and now I see it in the collage” or “I was feeling to happy that day…I love looking at my art because it reminds me of how much I enjoy being creative”
I provide paper, found objects, etc etc. and a safe space. I teach basics about collage. Papers, glues, technique, options for backing (canvas, cardboard, foam core, wood…) and examples of what they can do. My art is on the walls, I have magazines…photos of other people’s art…meditation… I give people the space(mental, physical, emotional) they need to explore their emotions through the art techniques.
Now it’s your turn to give it a try. [meditation] go play! Find your favorite color, texture, etc. have fun.