Meaningful Words… Creative Prompts and Colouring Templates.
“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.”
Small Words. Bigger Meaning.
Words can be used in various ways, with vast meaning, interpretation and purpose. The word-themed colouring pages and prompts shared in this blog post were inspired by the uplifting messages and words circulating throughout the pandemic. My Sharing Hope art story expands upon the inspiration and objective for these creative prompts and templates. Below is an invitation to engage in this prompt through art-making.
Also, pondering and giving attention to a meaningful word in and of itself has value and power, as this contemplative task consciously, mindfully, and intentionally brings you into the present away from all of that external noise (and even if only for a moment!).
“I find them (words) to be fascinating- the way the sound, shape, and texture of words can move off a page and through the cells, weaving through ones veins, and circling to the heart.”
Creative Prompt: “Meaningful Words”
Invitation.
This post and creative prompt invites us to reflect upon words that are more comforting or contemplative in nature when we are feeling stressed and uncertain.
If you could create a piece of art about a word that was important to you – what would your word be? Use lines, colours, shapes, and marks to explore your ideas. Find magazine images or text to create a collage. You can also wander out in nature and sketch into sand… or snow… or assemble with stones, twigs or fallen leaves. Express in the moment with water and a quick brushstroke on a buddha board, or on chalk or white boards.
Intention or Direction.
There seems to be multiple intersections (and at times collisions) of words and messaging spread throughout the global community right now related to hope and despair … calm and anger …. connection and disconnection … kindness and hostility (to mention only a few).
These templates and creative prompts came out of the need to carve a very intentional space for individual reflection and meaning through word and message art during these worrisome times… What are the words today that provide comfort... reassurance… support… hope… inspiration… motivation… humour… prompts or reminders… ?
A future art therapy blog post will explore how art making can be used to contain more difficult words and the feelings they trigger within us. There is a place in our art-making for expression of all sorts of words that impact our life, what differs is our approach and/or the intentions that guide us in that art making experience or moment.
Materials.
• sketchbook or any size paper (white or coloured)
• drawing or other art materials of preference
• collage pictures, writing, or book text (glue stick & scissors)
• buddha board (chalk or white board) to instantly write words and messages (captured with your camera)
• natural items for in-the-moment eco art (using your camera to record if more of a legacy piece is preferred)
Word-themed colouring pages (for the words listed below) are also available to download.
Words & Reflection Prompts.
Hope.
… as we live with such uncertainty in the present, HOPE for the future might guide our thoughts.
“Moonlight signifies a time when there is hope in darkness, but you have to focus on that hope.”
Home.
… as we shelter and socially distance, thoughts around our HOME spaces might have changed
… we might be reimagining what our feelings are related to these ideas of home, safety and sanctuary and what is most important
“A house is a home when it shelters the body and comforts the soul.”
Time.
… as we are forced to sit and wait for news and updates the concept of TIME has taken on new meaning
… we might have to revisit what patience really means to us, and learn to navigate how to cope, function, and ultimately thrive at this juncture in time, when feelings of uncertainty, fear and discomfort seem never-ending.
“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning how to dance in the rain”
Love.
… as we think about what is important to us we may reflect on those we LOVE and things we cherish and hold dear … and as we live apart how do we show and share affection with those we cannot be with in person?
How do we find meaning and connection to emotionally sustain us?
“Perhaps love is like a resting place, a shelter from the storm. It exists to give you comfort, it is there to keep you warm, and in those times of trouble when you are most alone, the memory of love will bring you home.”
Smile.
… and, as we navigate ongoing stress and worry something as simple as someone sharing a SMILE with us might brighten our day.
… we might have to intentionally bring levity and humour into the forefront of a moment despite the shadow of collective worry (determined in our search for moments that distract and engage us with a smile, silly giggle, or maybe even belly-shaking laughter).
“If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours.”
There are additional layered word-scape templates to customize your own words, marks and patterns if you would like to start with an outline in which to nestle and incorporate your thoughts and word(s). More will be uploaded soon.
Your words can have power, presence, energy and direction… take the time to explore them and see how you feel.
Word Art.
• Affirmational Text Art and Drawings Combine in Immersive Murals by Shantell Martin • www.thiscollosal.com. 2018.
Colouring Books & Art Therapy • Sharing from CATA Instagram on Art Therapy Tuesdays:
“Colouring books — is that art therapy?
Colouring books on their own are not art therapy, but they can be a structured art activity. Art therapy involves the creative process, and often includes the use of psychotherapy, to facilitate expressions and explorations based on a therapeutic relationship.”
Reference Source: [Open access] Art Therapist-Facilitated Open Studio Versus Coloring: Differences in Outcomes of Affect, Stress, Creative Agency, and Self-Efficacy -- Girija Kaimal, Janell L. Mensinger, Jessica M. Drass & Rebekka M. Dieterich Hartwell. CATA-ACAT Journal, 2017, Vol. 30, Issue 2:
