Symbol
Art Prompt: Choose a word that has been a positive in my life over the last week. Create a symbol that represents that word to you.
Materials: Silk hoops kit
You can use any materials for this prompt. I decided to use silk hoops because they are a really cool medium to work with and are really fluid when using ink. There is a wax resist that can be used as barriers for the ink, since the ink will want to blend, combine and move. This is a fun medium to work with, but don’t be surprised if it turns out different than you may have planned. Embrace the fluidity and the lack of control.
For this prompt, think of areas in your life that have been going well and positive for you. Are you able to identify a theme between them? Something maybe you are doing, or an experience that has been positive. If this is a positive within your relationship, try and find the word tha represents what has been positive: example: communication, physical touch, etc. (instead of choosing the word “relationship”). Try to dig into what has been going positivity and see if you can identify the underlying theme.
For this prompt I decided to choose the word “connection”. I thought about some of the great relationships and conversations I have had over the last week, and how I felt that my “connection” to others and the time shared had improved my week. I thought about some of the professional, social and family conversations that I had, and how they made me feel. I wanted to create a symbol to represent connection, and how that image would remind me of its importance in my life. We oftentimes forget about the importance of connection to others, and I wanted to highlight that area within my week.
Journal prompts for further exploration of the directive and/or image:
What has been going well over the last week?
For the word you chose, will it be difficult for you to continue adding that into your life? What can you do to keep it consistent?
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 the process, 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.
