Being Creative
By Abi Mason
Flying tissue paper birds…felt characters ranging from bananas to strawberries (all with different facial expressions)…a four foot long red and purple spotted dragon…these might be some of the creations you would see if you happened to pay a visit to the Madge Wilson Art Room at Caring For Life!
The art room has been open for over a year now and is being very well used, with almost thirty people spending a morning or an afternoon here each week. We are also very grateful for our amazing art volunteers, who freely give of their time to encourage creativity, share their skills and make beautiful things!
It has been very sad to hear that the phrase most commonly used by a new person beginning on the art project is “I’m rubbish at drawing." This negative attitude may stem from a general lack of confidence, or it can even be a repetition of what they have been told at school.
However, our motto is very different, as we believe that ‘all drawings are different’ just as ‘all people are different.’ Each person is ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’ by an awesome Creator. Each person has the ability to be creative and express themselves, so we use a wide range of media to encourage this to the full.
Inks applied to wetpaper create beautiful patterns quickly, easily, and often completely by accident! Mixing paint and exploring colour is another exercise where there is no pressure to make it ‘look good.’ Avery simple process like potato printing can also be used as a starting point. This happened with one of our gentlemen who was very convinced that he ‘can’t draw.’ He began experimenting with potato printing and then designed a string print in the shape of a wheel, adding extra details by freehand drawing. Before long, he had created a whole project, with a beautifully drawn penny-farthing and old-fashioned cars. Pleased with the result, he then confidently announced his next idea- a drawing of a very complicated steam engine!!
It is wonderful when we begin to see people gradually develop in confidence as they try new things and achieve wonderful results! Thank you so much for your support- your prayers, gifts of time and donations and also to anyone who has purchased work by our CFL artists. The knowledge that someone has chosen a piece of work and paid for it, serves as a massive confidence boost to people who sometimes feel they are of no value at all.
