[ a&e ] THE LEAF | FRIDAY, DEC. 29 | SHSLEAF.ORG
Peaceful paradise Art therapy helps heal the mind Adhiti Chundur staff writer
Melinda LOONEY staff writer
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rt goes back thousands of years. Evolving from paintings on cave walls to Greek sculptures, impressionism, pop art and contemporary art. Besides the traditional mediums, art also encompasses theatre, music, and photography. For many, art is a way to relax, wind down and take a break from reality. Art therapy is a growing field, originating around the 1940s. It helps diagnose or talk through problems using art. Associate Professors Kim Taylor and Dr. Meera Rastogi teach an ‘Intro to Art Therapy’ course at the University of Cincinnati.
What is art therapy?
Art therapy is a way for people not able to verbalize what is wrong, to communicate with others. “It is really interesting how it can serve as a bridge for communication in a therapeutic setting, and many other settings. In terms of therapy, a therapist will see these drawings and how the patient is working with these materials, and then will be able to assess their psychological condition,” Taylor said.
Everyone can benefit
Art therapy is becoming more widespread and can be used for elderly with Alzheimer’s, children who have severe illnesses, and people who have suffered trauma or the loss of a loved one. “There was a man who had cancer and was having trouble
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Fluid, expressive media, such as ink and paint are harder to control, and are often preferred by emotional people. People who like to think things through go for pencils and markers, where they are more in control. Harsh lines and light, often erased lines will help a therapist understand a patient, because that often shows certain feelings that are coming through.
talking about it. His art therapist had him draw what cancer looks like and he made a drawing of this scary monster. Once he had that image, he was able to talk about his frustration through the drawing,” Taylor said. Art therapy also helps teenagers dealing with depression. “A common theme I have seen with my many patients is loneliness,” Rastogi said. This is linked with depression, which about 20 percent of teens suffer from and may lead to suicide. Art therapy helps share bottled up emotions to decrease
Guest artist Clint Woods and his daughter demonstrate his style of art. He first splatters water on the paper and then makes patterns using ink and a paper towel. After the ink and water has dried, he draws a scene incorporating the ink splatters. His work is time-consuming and incredibly detailed. Certain pieces can take months to complete.
that risk.
How it works
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital is developing a music therapy program. “It could be anything like going into hospitals and singing with kids to lift up their mood, giving them instruments to play, or listening to music. There is also dance therapy, and drama therapy, where people act out what is going on psychologically and play therapy that you use with young kids,” Rastogi said. If a patient is a little shy, the therapist may let them spend more time doing art than talking.