Archive for November, 2007

Mixed Media Collage Equals Therapy

Wednesday, November 21st, 2007 by Alyice

Mixed Media Collage is an art form that has no rules; except to assemble various materials (both found and created) until you create a new work of art. A collage can be as simple as gluing pictures together on a flat surface and surrounding those photos with stickers, words, or other flat objects (see ScrapJazz) or it can be as complicated as creating something so new that materials used no longer stand alone but blend together so beautifully that you don’t know where one material ends and another begins (see Mixed Media Arts).

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For months I’ve admired the works of various artists at various skill levels. I observed each piece with complete fascination. Some pieces were stronger than others, but in the end, each piece said something special about the artist. And that to me, made each piece valuable.

I think sometimes, trying something new can be so frightening because it means putting yourself out there for the world to judge; especially those close to you. It means making mistakes. It means not being perfect the first time. And it means learning by trial and error and sometimes it even means wasting resources. But once you let go of all those inhibitions, you’ll be amazed at how freeing it can be to create something without boundaries, without rules.

I’d wanted to create my own collage for quite some time. I’d been slowly gathering supplies and materials for months, but could never get up the courage to actually try it. You see, my creativity was stifled. It hadn’t always been stifled. There was a time when I loved to draw, when I loved to create things, when I loved to use my imagination. There was a time when I’d make plans and map out a course of action, but knew how to alter course if the occasion arose. But as with most adults, life can sometimes get in the way and what once made you a fun-loving person can be replaced by someone you hardly recognize as what you once loved gets placed in box and put up on a shelf—waiting for just that right moment to come out and shine.

Sadly, there is never a “right” moment for taking time for one’s self; for making time to get to know the real you and for making sure “you” don’t get lost in the hustle and bustle of life. You just have make time for those “right” moments. You just have to do it, because if you don’t you may find yourself old and gray and wishing for the clock to go backwards just long enough for you to accomplish those dreams and goals.

Over the past eight years, I’ve experienced more deaths and losses than I’d ever hoped to experience: loved ones dying, pets passing, loss of oneself to unhealthy relationships, friendships ending, jobs lost to corporate downsizing, retirement funds gone, and goals changing, to name a few. So many life altering changes; so many that it had begun to change me into a person I never thought I would be, into a person I no longer recognized.

So after months upon months of talking about actually making a mixed media collage and getting back into the creative side of things, I’ve finally gone and done it! And I couldn’t be happier with the outcome.

I’m also learning what great therapy art can be! According to The American Art Therapy Association, art therapy can create a sense of well-being, help reduce stress, work through traumatic experiences, and build healthier, happier relationships. It is also a means of self-expression and self-exploration. And to be quite honest, there’s great satisfaction in seeing something you’ve created with your own two hands bring joy to someone else.

If you like this style of combining photos with art and objects, drop me an email or visit my online shop at AlyiceEdrich.net. I’d love to custom create something for you!