04/04/2022
FoundSpace collective conducted a 1-day art therapy workshop with SUSS (Singapore University of Social Sciences). It was an open invitation to the students. During the creative process, the participants reflected on their inherent positive qualities and strengths, as they eyewitnessed their narrative transformations. The layering, removing, pounding, sticking and even experimenting with materials were symbolic processes that paralleled the participants’ rediscovering their resilience for self-compassion and growth.
What came as a surprising move; for me as the co-facilitator to witness, was an impromptu art installation of the artworks. No one held back to display their works. Every person took a gallery walk around to gaze at one another’s artwork-in-making. It was a moving sight to observe how the participants in their small groups warmed up to one another over time, sharing their challenges and the discovery they made through the creative process. Through their narrative recounts in the small groups, the participants witnessed interpersonal learning of each other’s life experiences, adding fresh perspective towards life adversities, rediscovering their inner strength to bounce back from challenges. To remember this meaningful day, we had a group photo together; an image captured in time is worth a thousand words, isn't it?
~ Shulian, Art therapist
