Reflect

03/24

CREATIVE SELF-CARE

Noticing change and honoring it’s ever-present nature.

With the current societal urgency of future-thinking, what if we slowed down long enough to notice the subtle yet constant changes that are happening all around us? When we give ourselves the space to see the difference in how things were compared to how they are now, we open up to more feelings of gratitude, appreciation, and acceptance.

Daily Ritual

Gathering
Reserve time to take a walk each day through an environment that is familiar to you. While on your walk, collect items that are an emblem of change. Perhaps they represent the shift of the seasons. Maybe you remember something looking a certain way before the pandemic, and when you pass it now it looks different. Take this walk in the evening and in the morning. Notice the changes between the times of day. As you collect your items, bring them back to your sketchbook, draw them, and write down their significance. Keep them for the Therapeutic Activity below.

Note: This ritual does not have to take place outside, although there are great benefits to noticing changes in nature.

The artist must see all things as if (s)he were seeing them for the first time.

— Henri Matisse

In this month's therapeutic activity, we use a historic photographic method of art-making as a means for reflection. Through this process, we honor the value of transition and remind ourselves that we can find beauty in life when we reflect on how things shift and change.

MONTHLY THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY CYANOTYPE

Tools: Sketchbook, Found Objects from the Daily Ritual, and any of the cyanotype kits recommend below.

SUNPRINT KIT
A straightforward process with pre-treated paper. Simply place your objects between acrylic and paper, expose under the sun, rinse paper, and let dry. Objects leave white imprint on deep Prussian Blue background.

NATURE PRINT PAPER
An easy process with 5x8 pre-treated paper. Place your objects on top of the paper, expose under the sun, rinse paper, and let dry. Objects leave white imprint on a light blue background.

JACQUARD PRE-TREATED FABRIC
Create photograms with an process that is very close to the original process developed in the 1880s. Place objects on pre-treated fabric, then rinse.

  1. In a shaded area (preferably indoors, away from windows), place your found objects from your Daily Ritual on top of treated cyanotype paper or fabric.

  2. Once you have decided on a composition, carefully place it in full sun. Refer to the kit’s instructions to determine how long. This process works on sunny and overcast days. Don’t let the clouds deter you!

  3. Remove the objects and rinse your paper for 1-5 minutes under cool, clean water.

  4. Repeat this process, selecting other objects from around your home or familiar environment. Choose items that represent change and transition for you personally.

    OBJECT EXAMPLES: Photo Negatives, Plant clippings, Bubble Wrap, Lace, Fruit Bags or Containers, etc.

  5. With the seasons in flux, consider rendering your feelings when designing your composition. Write these reflections down in your sketchbook or journal.

    Journal Exercise:

    • Reflect on this: the art you create through this process marks a moment in time. What you create has never been made before and will never be made again. Describe any feelings that come up for you.

    • What is significant about the found items you chose to use? How do they represent change?

    • Describe any feelings that came up for you during this activity.

STEPS ONE + TWO

STEP THREE

STEP FOUR

Enhance this month’s creative self-care experience ⎯

CULTURAL INSIGHTS

  • Seaweed Cyanotype Workshop hosted by Usal.

    For those of us in Southern California, learn the method of cyanotype with a Marine Scientist in Malibu.

  • Cyanotype Sensitizer Set
    Create your own treated cyanotype paper with this natural chemical kit. Then, document the differences in your sketchbook.

  • The Reset Guide by Wildehouse Paper

    Reflect on your past, embrace the present, and envision your future with clarity and purpose to step confidently into your new season of self.

An In-Person Experience: Seaweed Cyanotype Workshop in Malibu

A Deeper Exploration: Cyanotype Sensitizer Kit

A Guide to Self-Discovery: The Reset Guide

Laina Miller is an Artist, Creative Wellness Consultant, and Social Emotional Arts Instructor. All viewpoints and activities expressed were generated from personal and professional experience and bolstered by favorite mentors, readings, and teachers. The aforementioned have been cited whenever possible. For additional support, please reach out to a trusted mental health advisor.

Some of the links above may be affiliates, which means a small commission is made if you purchase. All products have been authentically chosen with your amusement, education, and enlightenment in mind. The affiliate opportunity is always secondary.