Wanda Koop, Red Crosshair--Sightlines, 1999, acrylic on paper, 58.0 cm x 76.0 cm
Purchased with financial support from the Canada Council for the Arts, Acquisitions Assistance program, and with funds from the Walter and Duncan Gordon Foundation, 2001, 2001.036

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How can we approach our emotional state as a landscape? Begin to dive into metaphor as we consider ways to describe our body-related emotions. Become curious as we use landscape, animals, or whatever you feel connected to as a metaphor for our current emotional state. 

Practice greeting our emotions with acceptance, as all aspects of our natural world are needed to some capacity. The same can be said within ourselves! As we use metaphor to express and explore our emotions, we are able to approach it in a less threatening way.

We will view the artwork with curiosity and non-judgement! See if you are able to take away any insights as you reflect on the landscape created.  

Suggested Materials: 

• Paper 
• Oil Pastels
• Paper Towel/Cloth
• Optional:
• Watercolour paint, markers, ink, etc.
• Mixed Media (Magazines, old photographs, books, fabrics, stamps, etc.)
• Scissors
• Glue 

Mindfulness Check In:

• Imagine a space you can visit in your mind, when you want to spark creativity. This is a safe space free of inner criticism, stress, and any burdens you may have right now. What elements need to be present to create a nurturing, creative space? 
• Are there certain colours, textures, and shapes that feel soothing to you?
• Perhaps there are certain movements that feel soothing to do, like rocking your arm back and forth to create slow, rhythmic, figure eights or semi circles. 
• Are there any objects that make you feel safe right now? See if you can invite them into this space. 
• See if all of this feels right to you. Does it need something else? Does it honour your intention to create a safe space just for you? 
• Take a few more breaths here. Come back into the present moment. 
• Are there any aspects of your imagined creative space that you can bring into your actual space right now? Take a moment to grab them if need be, or feel free to journal/or respond through art making what this space may look/feel like for you.

Art-Making

1. Create a landscape that represents your current emotional state using any art media you feel connected to right now. 
2. Consider the following:

• A place, elements, animals, etc. 
• Time of day (night/day, etc.)
• Phases/seasons

Journal Responses

• How did it feel to give your emotions form and familiarity?
• Offer a positive “gift” (word, phrase, saying) that matches your felt sense while witnessing their artwork. Use your gifts (as many or as little as you would like) to create a poem.

Taking Care: Where Art Meets Wellness is supported by the Solcz Family Foundation.