Upcoming Events:
Review: Mindfulness-Based Art: The SPARKS Guide for Educators and Counselors: from the British Columbia Art Therapy newsletter
This book has eight chapters and unlike similar books in the expressive arts therapy field, it starts with theories of mindfulness and moves on to practical approaches that utilize visual arts. Chapters include drawing, painting, clay, photography, theme painting, and collage with real leaves.
The author offers a mindfulness awareness practice in three Rs: Rest, Recognize, and Return. This procedure is a basic practice step towards becoming Mindful and is introduced as a preparation for the beginning of Mindfulness-Based Art.
What seems familiar in resting, breathing, and recognizing one's own thoughts, and returning to the rhythmic repetition, is highly valuable in the process of becoming mindful when it is done consciously.
As a Japanese raised in Tokyo, I identify calligraphy as writing with black ink and a fat bamboo brush in the traditional/old fashioned way. It was not an art form to me. However, in Chapter 3, the author takes in this approach as a procedure of “the expression of one’s inner self through brush writing… the inner moment, or the expression of self, communicated outwardly – visually speaking our heart-felt truth”. I understand that what I used to do while growing up could become a meaningful method.
The author, Margaret Jones Callahan has written an extraordinary book for classroom teachers and counsellors, as well as visual artists who are willing to try a new procedure of mindfulness to learn about and to further develop their approach to creating art.
Eiko Uehara: M.A., R.C.C., BCATR
- Oct 5, 2019 10-3:30 The Reflecting Pool: Open Studio Retreat Day: Windhorse Studio, Limited enrollment, contact Margaret at truepnt@yahoo.ca
- OCT. 25-27 2019 Crossroads Artists Fall Show, St Lukes, Tantallon See new work by Margaret and Bay artists.
- March 16 - 18, 2018 MIEN Conference: Foundations for Teaching and Learning: U of D. C:"Mindfulness Based Art and Expressive Mind:MBATactivates the expressive mind and offers the option to practice self-expression in a safe environment. We can learn the mindful skills of mental focus, relaxation, being present and taking a new perspective through art activities. Mindful art teaches how reset one's emotions, and establish regulation.
- Aril 27 & 28, 2018 - Winnipeg, Manitoba: Ground Up Professional Development Services presents: Pathways to Deepening the Work: Mindfulness + Creative Process in Counselling with Margaret Jones Callahan for information /register: contact Michelle at admin@tda-clinic.com
- April 30, 2018 - Winnipeg, Manitoba: Mindful Art Retreat Day contact Margaret at truepnt@yahoo.ca
- May 13, 2018: Mindfulness in the Bay: Tantallon Library, Tantallon, Nova Scotia 2:30 - 4:30 pm Mindfulness Based Art Upcoming Art Shows: Peggy's Cove Area Festival of the Arts: Studio Tour: July 6 - 8, 2018
- View Margaret's paintings at her Windhorse Studio, 251 Paddys Head, Indian Harbour, NS, 10 am-4pm
- View Margaret's abstract expressionist work as part of the Square One group show St. Margaret's Bay Shambhala Center, 13495 Peggy's Cove Road, Upper Tantallon, NS
- Crossroads Show: Paul's Hall 12286 Peggys Cove Rd, Glen Haven, NS
Review: Mindfulness-Based Art: The SPARKS Guide for Educators and Counselors: from the British Columbia Art Therapy newsletter
This book has eight chapters and unlike similar books in the expressive arts therapy field, it starts with theories of mindfulness and moves on to practical approaches that utilize visual arts. Chapters include drawing, painting, clay, photography, theme painting, and collage with real leaves.
The author offers a mindfulness awareness practice in three Rs: Rest, Recognize, and Return. This procedure is a basic practice step towards becoming Mindful and is introduced as a preparation for the beginning of Mindfulness-Based Art.
What seems familiar in resting, breathing, and recognizing one's own thoughts, and returning to the rhythmic repetition, is highly valuable in the process of becoming mindful when it is done consciously.
As a Japanese raised in Tokyo, I identify calligraphy as writing with black ink and a fat bamboo brush in the traditional/old fashioned way. It was not an art form to me. However, in Chapter 3, the author takes in this approach as a procedure of “the expression of one’s inner self through brush writing… the inner moment, or the expression of self, communicated outwardly – visually speaking our heart-felt truth”. I understand that what I used to do while growing up could become a meaningful method.
The author, Margaret Jones Callahan has written an extraordinary book for classroom teachers and counsellors, as well as visual artists who are willing to try a new procedure of mindfulness to learn about and to further develop their approach to creating art.
Eiko Uehara: M.A., R.C.C., BCATR