Art in the Moment. Buddha Boards.
Living in the Moment.
“Buddha Board is inspired by the Zen idea of living in the moment. Simply ‘paint’ on the surface with water and your creation will come to life in bold design. Then, as the water slowly evaporates, your art will magically disappear leaving you with a clean slate and a clear mind, ready to create a whole new masterpiece. Buddha Board is environmentally friendly as it only uses water - no ink, no paint, no chemicals - and it will last for years with proper care.”
photo credit: Emilie Pelka
Buddha Board as a Creative and Self-Care Tool.
• Buddha boards can be a tool to promote relaxation through the gentle repetition of brush strokes and mark making
• They can be woven into mindfulness moments and grounding exercises in your home or studio space
Creative Prompt: “Creating in the Moment with Water Painting”
Invitation. For a Mindful Moment.
• Relax….breathe…. create… dip the paintbrush in water and paint on the surface…just make marks.
• Watch as the brushstroke lines get darker and then begin to fade. What do you see? …
• Do other images appear as certain lines fade and others remain and the water slowly dries?
• Keep the process going by adding more brushstrokes of water…. do you find the repetition of brushstrokes and movement relaxing?… grounding?
• Add soothing music to the process. Respond and engage with the sounds and rhythms of the music you have selected as you create on the board
Invitation. For Quick Mark-making.
• Use lines and marks to quickly capture your mood… how does that feel?
• ‘What kind of day are you having ?… capture with a line…. watch it transform and change as the water dries and the image fades…
• How do you feel as you watch these changes.. what comes to mind?
• Is there a word that resonates with you in this moment? … quickly write with the brush and water… does it need to be repeated? … what meaning does it hold for you? Does this prompt further reflection?
Photos & Legacy Creations.
• Although the intent is to ‘create in the moment’, if images are really liked the water art can be photographed and archived.
And, … from an Art Therapy Lens.
• A buddha board is an easy creative tool for 1:1 work when space, and time is limited, and when your aim is more for expressive in the moment engagement with simple materials
• The laptop version I find is the best option, as it is more solid and accessible, and less likely to be knocked over.
• Buddha boards have a sophisticated appeal in terms of simple and engaging art materials, that are not infantilizing
• They can be a tool to promote relaxation through the gentle repetition of brush strokes and mark making
• Buddha boards can be woven into mindfulness moments and grounding exercises at beginnings of groups and 1:1 visits … reflective warmups
• They can be used as a tool to engage in visual dialogue welcoming someone into the creative therapeutic space with words and images
• Buddha boards can become a playful warmup, for line and images conversations back and forth between two or more people
Follow. Connect. Information Below.
Buddha Boards are a great addition for home and/or to add to your travelling art therapy kit - both for your individual practice, and to purchase through the LTC homes/agencies you work with for your groups and studios spaces.
They can be ordered online.
Instagram • @buddhaboard
Website • www.buddhaboard.ca
“Buddha Board is based in Vancouver, BC Canada and was founded in 2000.”
OATA: Peer to Peer: The Nature of Well-Being Conference-Retreat • Buddha Board Activity Table • Oct 20th, 2023
And… Final Gentle Care Note.
• Buddha Boards need to be taken care of through correct storage, allowing them to completely dry out, only using the provided brush, or purchasing additional brushes without metal rims (to prevent boards from becoming marked and scratched).
