Identity
Art Prompt: Create what your identity looks like.
Materials: Watercolor paper cut down to 4x4 inches, watercolor pencils, paint brushes
I love this prompt because it can evoke so much emotion. By limiting yourself to a smaller canvas to create on, it helps the prompt not feel so heavy and big. The smaller canvas limits a limitless art prompt: Identity? That’s a big one…
I chose watercolor pencils because I wanted a mixed between control and fluidity. With watercolor pencils, it is easier to place the color where you want, but also the ability to let the colors bleed in the areas that you add water. For this prompt, I thought about the different experiences throughout my life: the challenges, the set backs but also the triumphs and successes. I represented certain times in my life as a bubble, each color and texture forced me to think about varying aspects of these events. By making myself pair a color and method to each event, I really had to sit with the memory and any emotions that came up. When adding the water, this was a more theraputic process for me, because I became lost in the act of creating. The process and colors that formed were less in my control, just as most of these events within my life. I liked how the water made all of the events connect together because I felt that was also a good representation to my identity. I am what I’ve been through and how I choose to view my world.
Journal prompts for further exploration of the directive and/or image:
If it was difficult for you to start creating, what was making this prompt challenging to start?
Looking at your image, what part of it stands out to you and how does it relate to your identity?
Have you ever thought about your identity? What do you feel makes you, you?
Tips:
I am vague in my description of my image for two reasons: A.) this is an example to help people see the progression and thought behind art therapy prompts, B.) so that my image and description does not stifle your own creative exploration within this prompt.
Do not overthink the art directive. Jump into creating with your first thought and allow the image to form itself.
Explore the artwork when you’re completed and see what you notice in your colors, method, imagery. Sometimes you’ll have new insights once you’re finished creating.
Materials will be suggested, use whatever you have access to or materials you’d prefer.
Work as little or as long as you’d like.
Don’t create thinking of a product, focus solely on the process. This may not be something you’d like to hang on the wall and that is perfectly fine and often preferred 🙂
You may not always be able to reflect on your image and understand what it means. Sometimes just simply engaging in the art process is therapeutic enough.
While these directives are designed for deeper exploration of self, sometimes they may cause one to feel overwhelmed. These prompts should not replace therapy. If any of these prompts bring up unsafe emotions and you feel you are a danger to yourself or others, please call 911 or go to your nearest hospital.
