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Re: Drawing as a Sacred Activity
It's written by Heather C. Williams and published by New World Library.
It's pretty much an art therapy type book, but also teaches drawing techniques at the same time, which is an unusual combination.
The author teaches you to look for constellations of intersections/anchor points and to mark them before drawing any lines.
Part one is about exploring your feelings towards objects, nature and people. It includes lessons and exercises on door, windows, tables, chairs, clothing/drapery, trees, plants and flowers, hills, animals, human form, hands and feet, your own face, another's face.
Part 2 is on exploring your emotional feelings. Some of the topics are mothers, anxiety, love, fear, shame, creative freedom, money, dreams and many more.
Part 3 is on exploring your intuitive feelings.
I'm working on Doors right now. It took me quite awhile last night to find out how to draw a open door properly in perspective. I think I'm going to spend a week drawing doors and journaling and writing about doors. Each of the part 1 topics is a rich source of journaling ideas that can be expanded much further than what the book starts.
It would be nice to work through this book as a group and share drawings, drawing techniques, poetry, stories, personal commentary, etc, on each of the topics/lessons.
This is the best art book I've ever read. I have no idea why it's not more popular. I've been looking for an art therapy/self help book that actually teaches art for a long time. I've finally found it.
Art therapists seem to frown on teaching art techniques. They think it gets in the way of the therapy. "Just create" they say. I just look at them blankly with a blank paper and say "How?"
I wish the technique instructions were more detailed, but at least they are there and helpful enough to get me started. As a group we could share technique resources and really learn some art as well as working on our inner junk.
I'm finding Doors to be a rich topic in so many ways. I think it might be fun to branch out and photograph doors. Maybe create a pop up card with doors. Write some flash fiction, poetry, songs, etc. Remember doors from my past. Explore the metaphorical doors in my past and present. Maybe even draw some sci fi and fantasy doors. Work on some basic perspective skills.
I'll never look at a door quite the same way again.
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Kia Ora o Aotearoa Feckless and Irresponsible
Linear Mode
