Therapeutic Community of Singapore.

A Member of the World Federation of Therapeutic Community.

ART FEELINGS WORKSHOP

THE ROLE OF ART AS A THERAPEUTIC TOOL

The Art Feelings Workshop has been an integral part of the Adolescent treatment
process for over six years. Before exploring the process of the workshop, it is important to gain an
understanding of the role of art as a therapeutic tool.
Individual perceptions of art vary, and art is quite often thought of as the beautiful, realistic
paintings which are commonly found in museums. There seems to be a tendency to perceive art
as scenery, i.e., trees, flowers, houses and mountains or as crafts taught in a school setting.
Realistic and Impressionist art forms are created from the outside in. The art forms used in the
workshop rely on the energy within creating visual images of feelings, thoughts and behaviours.
The colours, brushstrokes and textures of paints transform abstract images and forms to reveal
feelings from within. Often the creator is unaware of his / her feelings until the work is completed

ABSTRACT EXPRESSIONISM.

The Art Feelings Workshop takes root from Abstract Expressionism, a form of art that has
been growing since World War II. Through expressionism we are aiming to stimulate and
motivate the inner person, while giving him / her the courage to try. The art is a means to create
excitement right where you are, even with limited experience. Thus, an Expressionist painting
comes from the inside out, while the Impressionist comes from the outside in.

Jack Pollack, a famous Abstract Expressionist artist of the 1940s and 1950s,
used paintings as a vehicle for expression. Pollack was a very sensitive , highly
introspective man and had many suppressed feelings which he needed to release. He
made use of very large canvases spread out on a floor so that he could feel apart of his
work by the closeness. Pollack would splash out, drip, and push paint over the canvas in
his own special way to work through the particular feelings he was experiencing whether it
was anger, sadness, happiness or depression. Thus, his work was a product of his
feelings - no one can copy a Jackson Pollack because his painting was his own personal
experience as is each and every painting created in the Art Feelings Workshop.

Dating back to early man, art was the basis for communication and is a visual language, we had
picture long before we had words. Historically, art has been a means of communication and this is
too a premise of the Art Feeling Workshop. It is of key importance to understand that the Art
Feeling Workshop relies on feelings, not artistic talent for a productive relationship and to cast
aside the preconceived notion that all art is due to talent and realistic beauty. It is the feelings and
expression that brings success in the workshop.

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THEMES
Themes are important in the workshop process. Since all members attended the Art Feelings
Workshop are mandated Different themes are used to address specific issues with each
population and are designated in every phase.

FEELINGS OF THE MOMENT

This theme serves to introduce the workshop and to provide an opportunity for the members to
relate openly about any feelings or issues they are experiencing.

FEELINGS OF TRANSITION

This theme focuses on the changes and feelings experienced in the rotation. This workshop quite
often serves as an opportunity to vent frustration, anxieties, excitement, and sadness. All of which
are commonly experienced by new members.

RESPONSIBILITY

The purpose of this workshop is to have the members explore and define their responsibilities
and priorities. Also, to discuss the feelings created by such responsibilities. Many members are
resistant to the idea of responsibility and this workshop helps to address these feelings.

OBSTACLES

Personal obstacles, internal issues and behaviours are the focus to this workshop. The members
are asked to introspect and explore the issues and negative behaviour which could lead them to
compromise and jeopardise their treatment and sobriety. The purpose of the workshop is to assist
the member in exploring the presented issues and to heighten the members awareness.

SOCIALISING ~ FAMILY & FRIENDS

This theme addressing the feelings encountered on request. The resident are asked to explore
the feelings experienced dealing with family and socialising with others.

ACCOMPLISHMENT

Many individuals in treatment have difficulty feeling good about themselves and their
accomplishments. This theme is used to address feelings surrounding the progress made in
treatment and to explore how the members deal with good feelings.

CLINICAL ART THERAPHY ~ SPECIAL POPULATION

The purpose of this workshop is to have members explore and address their issues of vast
predicaments with significant others in which varieties of themes are used. These themes are
geared to introduce the workshop and asses the members.
Throughout the treatment process any members may be referred to the Art Feelings Workshop
for individual service. These sessions will be geared to address specific issues that the members
needs to explore.

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POINTS FOR ORIENTATION

These points can be used in any of the Art Feelings Workshop orientations, use at your
discretion.

This is not a standard art class. This is a workshop designed to help you get In touch with
your feelings - to identify and give clarity to verbal expression.
This is a three ( 3 ) part process - thought ( theme) creates feeling - feelings create action the action of painting.
You dont have to be an artist - we arent looking for pretty pictures (realistic) > (elaborate validate abstract art as a therapeutic tool).
The form of art we use is called Abstract Expressionistic Art - it is individual - a visual
expression of your feelings.
It is entirely your choice as to what colours you use - shapes - textures - brush strokes in
order to create a feeling on paper.
Jackson Pollack - elaborate Abstract Expressionist.
Do not pay attention to what the person next to you is doing.
Become personally involve with your painting, these are your feelings.
The end product is not the most important thing - the process is.
You will paint off your feelings - we cannot reach into ourselves and pull out a feeling to see
what it looks like, but we can, through the use of abstract art, create a visual representation of
a feeling.
The painting become a vehicle for self expression - a visual record of your feelings.
Emotional - Physical energy - Painting - to be elaborated and reinforced.
If you are stuck and dont know where to start, just put your brush in any colour, and go with
your feelings.
Painting from the inside out as opposed to painting by recording what one sees or ones
impression of what they see - to be elaborated (impressionistic art).
You cant walk away from something you have created yourself - something you give life to if you feel something from a painting, that painting has life ! Have the courage to try.
Paintings from your feelings will never fail your purpose. To be elaborated (objective)
Colour is relevant to all of us - it is universal - the colours of the clothing we choose to wear the colours we choose to decorate our homes - the colour of our car et cetera - all tell
something about how we feel - colours make a personal statement about ourselves.
You will get out of the workshop only what you put into it - make use of this time to relax and
allow yourselves to enjoy a new experience.