During this phase, my focus was exploring how visual tools can aid urban Chinese youth in managing mild anxiety. Inspired by research on art therapy (Darcey, S. and Smith, R. (2021) Sketch by sketch: A creative path to emotional healing and transformation), I aimed to test anxiety visualization through art workshops for enhanced self-awareness and healing.
Learning about Shuang’s prior self-portrait workshop aligned perfectly with my concept. Collaborating, we hosted a park painting workshop. The event flowed smoothly amidst nature’s serenity, offering both natural power and a secure environment. Participants shared common feelings of solitude and sorrow through creations, also revealing individual warmth and strength. A spontaneous exhibit beneath a beautiful tree was the perfect finale.
My role encompassed promotional content, workshop structure design, facilitation, and exhibition inspiration, while Shuang provided venue suggestions, stakeholder access, poster design, and documentation.
When designing the workshop structure, I opted to begin by having participants visualize their feelings of anxiety while they living and studying in London, followed by sharing their creations. This idea was inspired by my experience in an art therapy workshop (A supportive place to be, organized by UAL counseling and health advice events).
Subsequently, we introduced a “Grateful flow” transition, influenced by therapist techniques in the documentary “Stutz.” Having experienced the effectiveness myself, this segment aims to clear negative emotions from the preceding anxiety recall, smoothly transitioning to the visualization of happier moments. All participants were Chinese students from art schools, making art creation a familiar and comforting form of expression. This familiarity added a personal touch to the experience.
The workshop validated art’s therapeutic power and the resonance that connects people. It fostered a friendly partnership, stakeholders, fresh perspectives, and inspiration, enriching my future interventions significantly.
Reference：
- Stutz：https://www.netflix.com/watch/81387962?source=35
- Darcey, S. and Smith, R. (2021) Sketch by sketch: A creative path to emotional healing and transformation