Earth Day at Amica 2023. April & Heather.
Sharing in this post my recent creative collaboration with my dear friend Heather at Amica Peel Village for Earth Day 2023.
As an Eco-Artist and Art Therapist who works regularly with natural materials, I was excited to engage residents in a nature-based art activity. The afternoon included art displays and information tables and residents gathering in community to create earth sculptures to celebrate earth day.
“The moment one gives close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself.”
Having recently co-taught the workshop “Eco-Art Therapy: The Nature of Well-Being” at the Toronto Art Therapy Institute with my colleague and dear friend Susan, I was immersed in the approaches and benefits of eco-art, inspired by the students’ creations from that workshop, and was excited to provide another sensory nature buffet in a new space, and with new participants.
My approach to facilitation was informed by the models of art therapy, open studio and the art hive, where spaces are warm and inviting, materials are plentiful and free, and the art making encourages sensory engagement, imagination, reminiscence and supported creative play.
“Art is contemplation. It is the pleasure of the mind which searches into nature and which there divines the spirit of which nature herself is animated. ”
Residents and participants were encouraged to reflect upon nature in different contexts: nature-as-materials, nature-as-inspiration, and nature-as-space.
Heather and I observed how the natural materials themselves invited engagement quite quickly. The colours, textures and scents were familiar for many of these residents who would have spent hours previously nurturing their own gardens before downsizing and moving into a retirement home.
With spring only just awakening here in Ontario, the natural elements might have been welcoming and enjoyed as a way to connect sooner with this new season and all its gentle offerings. The soft clay was soothing and tactile and reminded many participants of previous school or art class experiences.
“We do not see nature with our eyes, but with our understandings and our hearts.”
We also noticed that once samples were shown and materials were provided residents became quite focused and immersed in the meditative and tactile process of creating miniature clay vases or earth sculptures. And although not outside in nature, having nature brought in to them was still comforting, enjoyable and creatively stimulating.
“Neuroscientists call this a state of “soft fascination,” and it’s an ideal state for the activation of the imagination network. Soft fascination occurs when you’re listening to leaves rustling or watching the tide ebb and flow, and your attention is very gently focused on the sensory stimuli in front of you.”
The tiny earth sculptures and nature treasures are shown in these photo collages.
“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. ”
Thanks to Heather for this fun collaboration (long overdue), Enil for providing this opportunity and picking up materials for us, and Shamy and the volunteers, Razneet and Jazrine, for assisting.
More eco-art and nature blog posts are listed here.
