Art is

Art is the act of continually recreating
              sloughing off
              expanding
              building
              creating ourselves
Art as part of spirituality
which is to develop a belief and attitude and approach to life that seeks to help us reach our fullest potential.

Art as recreating - as we are being changed, moved; going through struggle; pain, which only - like a Diamond- hardens and forms a new gem.

It is not that we are working towards what we ought to be... what we want to be... because that defines us with limits.
But
Rather as potential

We are becoming - a reaching forward
etched out
shaped by life situations
but all assisting and moving us in reaching our
potential

In art we work actively at this process of becoming.
of recreating.
making Visual these changes.
processing the acts of being.

Art as a spiritual act
of Being more
with the creator source spirit guiding us.
January 13, 2016

In the Loop & Challenge #250

I feel like I need to stay in the loop. What does that mean? I am an introvert. I will just put it out there. I find being with larger groups of people very tiring. I tend to desire my alone time; drawing, reading, sewing, walking. Those are my refuel times.

But I want to know what everyone is doing. I want to stay current in the latest techniques, and to know what the 'buzz' is about. I just don't need to be the best or do the latest hype - for instance the Zengems. But I've tried them; I just prefer to draw at my own pace, and with the simplest tools. That is why Diva's challenge this week - was - not a challenge? And that was COOL! I read Madam Diva's blog, and thought, Yea, I have lots of tiles that I've been working on lately. But, for the sake of the challenge I created a new one.

And as an art therapist, I felt this tile - even in its small form, shows the loop, and movement of forward and back. Generally, I don't analyse my tiles, but this was pretty straightforward in expressing how I've been feeling. The flow of moving forward at a gentle pace, and yet staying with what I am comfortable with. I want to know about staying current with trends in Zentangle and art therapy. I like to know what the latest is, I just don't need to do the latest. I will just stay in the loop.

So thanks everyone for sharing your Zengems and art. I enjoy your inspiration.

New Year & Diva Challenge 249

Happy New Year!
Toronto had our first cold snap - just a snap. We barely noticed it. Glad we got that over with. The anticipation of extreme circumstances can be difficult to bare. When will it happen? What will happen? How severe will it be? Is it going to happen? Toronto has had such unbelieveably warm temperatures and yet it was inevitable that the cold would come.

Life is like that. Things are going along smooth, and we have no idea when some unknown and difficult event will hit us. We may believe we are doing everything right, and that nothing harsh will come along. And then when it does, we are not sure ... did we cause it? did we deserve it? what could we have done to avoid it?

It is a test and expression of our character of how we handle difficult circumstances. Do we go with the flow? or do we fight against its consequences? Do we make the most of what has happened, and learn some lessons that shape who we are as people?

Winter and cold weather may be a rather mundane example of extreme circumstances eventually affecting us; but it is an example and test to who we are and how we deal with it.

Zentangle has provided a way for many of us to learn to deal with the unexpected. Zentangle creates beauty from the unknown. The abstract and unknown way of shaping the piece of art allows us to be open to newness, change, new possibilities. It removes limits by seeing these unknown  deviations as opportunities and not challenges. The metaphors for life that come from Zentangle reach our subconscious and affect our attitudes and ways of being in the world. Zentangle provides rich experiences which touch us through repetition and beauty. May we watch and wait, so that the next challenge can shape us and let us be reshaped.

Tangle On!

What is Art Therapy?

What is Art Therapy?
There are many different understandings of what art therapy is; and also many different ways art therapy is used. This makes explaining what art therapy is more confusing.

First, what art therapy is NOT:
Art therapy is not a way for the therapist to interpret your personality, your deepest longings, or uncover some secret about you.
Art therapy is not colouring.
Art therapy is only drawing and painting.
not only for artists

Art therapy is a relationships between an art therapist and an individual which integrates the use of an art activity to express emotions, experiences and thoughts. The art therapy exchange may focus on the art activity as a means of expression, or the art activity may use the art process as a means of metaphor, of working through psychological issues, and developing a therapeutic relationship.
Art therapy is also known as art psychotherapy, expressive art therapy, creative arts therapy. It can use drawing, writing, painting, drumming, dancing, drama, craft-making, clay and jewellery-making - most creative activities. Often art therapy uses several methods of creative making to process issues and deepen self-understanding. Art therapy is effective with anyone, not only artists. Actually, the art activity is within a safe, non-judgemental relationship, often empowering art where individuals felt non-creative.

When I facilitate art therapy, my presence is integral to the individual's expression, self-reflection, and therapy. I do not interpret what the images may say, instead it is the clients interpretation of the image that will provide the most therapeutic understanding and change.

Here are several articles on Art Therapy.
http://www.cathymalchiodi.com/about/what-is-art-therapy/
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-healing-arts/201303/art-therapy-and-counseling-true-love-or-convenience
http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2015/08/09/art-therapy-in-addiction-recovery/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/art-therapy-is-more-than-just-making-nice-pictures_5609be20e4b0af3706dd8e26

Art therapy with refugees

I believe art is wonderful way of healing, and expressing our humanity. Art therapy can help with your self-understanding and help you work through conflicts in a powerful way. Try it!

Diva challenge 241 + Fall

This fall is going out like a lion - with a roar! So much business and important events happening in my families life. And in the moments I am tangling. On Monday I held a group of enthusiastic CZT from the Ontario area. Here is their tangle. CZTs are passionate about sharing Zentangle with whomever they meet. Bravo for sharing the view that art heals and you don't need to be an artist!

Then I took some time to do this weeks Diva Challenge - Cairn Stones of Health. It is very appropriate as tomorrow I will attend an Art Heals Health Conference here in Toronto. Art heals and helps integration which leads to health.

Tangle On!
Deb

Toronto Star Article - Zen Quilter

It has been an eventful week, and I'm glad I've been able to share it with you. First the go-ahead for my research; and then the article in Toronto Star / StarTouch on my journey as a 'Zen Quilter.'

The article is a succinct explanation of how both Quilting and Zentangle has influenced my life. We are all on a journey, and I hope to inspire you to include creative activity in your journey. 

Quilts

I have also been busy pulling a quilt together for a local Fundraiser. The Toronto United Mennonite Church has a building and supportive housing project called The Aurora House; which will provide housing for victims of human trafficking.  

Here is my quilt Floral Blues, which I donated.

Art and Creativity are important in the human journey. Art and creativity heal through the process of expression and integration of experiences, thoughts and emotions. Art and creativity provide a means of relaxation and meditation. Art and creativity develop social and community bonds by providing a visual means of connection and understanding. Art and creativity provide enhancement and enjoyment to life through providing and experience of beauty, vibrancy and stimulation. 

How about trying some today?

Tangle On!

Deb

http://startouch.thestar.com/screens/  "Life Section: Do It Yourself Revolution."

Saturday, September 26, 2015: The Toronto Star.

• 
  

THE ZEN QUILTER

The meditative creativity of Zentangle adds a twist to an old art

ANDREA GORDONSTAR TOUCH

Deb Kopeschny’s handmade quilts do not begin with a piece of fabric or a needle and thread. They start long before that, in a meditative moment when creativity and spirit collide and her pencil captures it on a small square of paper.

Research, Zentangle Classes, Iamthediva challenge 236

Whoa! I have received word that my research proposal and my ethics review of my research proposal have been approved. It's been a wait. But I am rolling on. The next step in the masters thesis process is to collect my data. So If you would like to know more about my research study, I would be happy to talk to you. As an overview, my research study is part of my art therapy training I am required to do research for a thesis. I have been teaching Zentangle® for 5 years and I have seen its powerful effects on participants. In my thesis I will continue to explore the effects and experience of Zentangle®. The research question to be explored is: “What is the phenomenological experience of a mindful art activity, like Zentangle®, and its implications for art therapy?”

The first of the data collection will be a focus discussion group in October regarding a Zentangle experience. 

If you have never experienced Zentangle before, I invite you to attend a class Monday, September, 28 at the Harmony Community Centre in Oshawa, Ontario. For more information please see the link. https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/learn-to-zentangle-create-your-own-coloring-sheets-tickets-17995374650 

I have not done the diva challenge in a while - due to practicum, etc.... let's just say Life?!! But here is challenge 236. I used it as a way to calm down from my excitement and work in planning for my research ... practicing what I preach.

Can you tell what I tangled on? One of my cookbooks, the Mennonite Community Cookbook. I was paging through and noticed some cook Pennsylvania Dutch sketches; they were my inspiration. Have you ever heard of Vinegar Candy? That's called making use of what you have. Another inspiration. And art-making - Zentangle drawing is turning simple lines and shapes into beautiful art.

Tangle On!

Deb