Curiosity and Playfulness in Art Therapy
Curiosity and playfulness have an important role in art therapy. While logic, linear thinking, and objectivity have an important role in the world, this is the realm of the ego. However, in archetypal art therapy, the grasp on conscious thought and logic is relaxed a bit. With this, the mind is able to wander through imagination and fantasy. Artists create art with this mindset through intuitive artist creation as well. Likewise, intuition allows for metaphorical connections. These connections may find answers that are beyond logic. From this, growth through creativity requires outside of the box thinking.
The Archetype of the Child
Carl Jung said that remembering what gave you joy and filled your time in play as a child holds a key as to your life purpose as an adult. This implies that in order to access the newness of the archetype of the child, then the artist must play.
Play Therapy and Art Therapy
Herein is the relationship between play therapy and art therapy. Children learn through playing. Likewise, creativity stems from playfulness as well. In therapy with children, learning, making art, and playing blend seamlessly from one activity to another. Children are less rule-bound. Similarly, adults in art therapy benefit from adopting an attitude of curiosity and playfulness in art therapy while they are creating art.
Imagination and Images
The unconscious has an amazing way of making connections where our conscious, rule-driven ego may not have noticed. The avenue to this way of thinking is through the imagination–the image creating function of the mind.
Every act of creation of something new is born first in the imagination. It is not through coping skills or logical processes that art therapy helps someone change course or integrate their personalities. Archetypal art therapy encourages the artist, or art therapy client to rediscover their own nature.
Curiosity and Playfulness for Art Therapy and Wholeness
Michaelangelo’s quotes, “Every block of stone has a statue inside it and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it. I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.” This concept is true in art therapy as well. Similarly, the true nature of each person is whole within. Through the process of therapy, the defenses (or complexes) and chipped away, to reveal that true nature.
Get in Touch
Are you curious? I am! I’d be happy to talk to you to see if this process might be right for you. I see individuals virtually as well as currently have several online art therapy groups in formation.