By: Justin Williams AC
Hello! I hope you're alive and well. Quick update before the article: I am currently in my last semester of undergrad at Delaware State University, studying Studio Art and Social work. I do work as an associate clinician, however I am not a registered art therapist..yet :) The information in the articled has been gathered through my social work practice thus far, and my own personal experience in coping with seasonal depression as an Afro-latino man. I hope you enjoy!
Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy centered in unapologetic creativity and self expression. Some of the psychological benefits include but are not limited to; increased self awareness, recovery from post traumatic stress, increased self esteem, and building positive social interactions. As a mental health professional and social work students, I've found that art therapy is great for black men. Language barriers have stifled us men from communicating openly and freely based on environmental factors such as socialization, economic and educational disparities. In 2003, the institute of medicine found that minority Americans tend to receive less health care and poorer quality of services than white Americans.
With that being said, the reality of the future in recovering from intergenerational trauma in the pursuit of forming healthy relationships with oneself and partners , will solely rely on the work being done by minority health professionals and individuals willing to step outside of the box, and grow one soul from loneliness, depression, unforgiving, self destructive behavior, and neglect.
You don’t need to be Jean Mitchell Basquiat or Charles White to benefit from the fruits of art therapy. In this radical practice of self care, the process is the focal point, instead of the end result. If you are intrigued in the by the possibility of transcending into a relaxing space. Here is a list of 10 art therapy ideas
1. Draw your inner warrior
Feeling hopeless? Lost? Tired? Or weak? This activity requires a pencil, paper, paint. And a little bit of research. Theres something therapeutic about seeing warriors and kings that look like us. I challenge you to find out where your ancestors are from. And draw yourself wearing their traditional face paint royal attire. All you will need in this exercise is a reference photo, the internet, paper, paint ( for face paint ), and paper.
2. Make a traditional face mask out of clay
Let go of the mask of masculinity that you wear on a day to day basis. Immersive yourself in your own emotions. It’s okay to be human and cry like a man. In this activity, you will need a pound of terra-cotta or white clay ( I personally prefer terra cotta because its more natural and I enjoy feeling the minerals while I'm sculpting). Find a picture of a traditional mask, in your ancestral research and make a replica to the best of your abilities.
3. Draw with charcoal
Working with charcoal is compressive because of how it can be manipulated. It can be what it needs to be at any given moment with the right amount of attention given to it. Plus I find that more forgiving than working in pencil or paint. In this exercise all you will need is a stick out charcoal, a roll of large drawing paper, and fixative. Go outside and take pictures of yourself or maybe even a random stranger and draw them with the charcoal.
4. Drawing to the beat
Sometimes it’s easy to miss what you have by focusing on what you don’t. In this exercise, being relaxed and free will be the key to not missing a beat. It may tae a bit of training to successfully get through an entire song. I like to focus on the bass or lyrics. In this exercise, you will need a pair of headphones, a playlist , a cozy space to create, a sketchbook, and
a pencil.
5. Group drawing circle
Giving what you have longed for from another man can be very healing in the process of letting go and moving on. Get a group of other black and latino men and have a guys night. Make it fun! Bring drinks or even invite a live model to draw, just make sure to pay him/her/ they well and treat them with love and respect. While you guys are creating, allow yourself to see others and compliment their work. Receive compliments on yours as well. If you feel the needs or want to cry-just let it go.
6. Draw a giant mandala
Mandala means “ circles “ in Sanskrit, they are sacred symbols that are used for meditation, prayer, healing and art therapy for both children and adults. You can spice up and make this exercise less white washed by doing some research and African and Taino symbology and recreating these works. All you will need is internet, a pencil, colored pencils, and paper.
7. Collage from a torn painting exercise.
Draw a picture and then tear it apart. Think about all the things that are making you angry and release it in this creative process. Use the pieces of the drawing along with other elements to create a new work as a collage. This exercise unlocks your creativity and helps with letting go of unwanted emotions that hurt us yet we hold onto to them sometimes. Knowingly or unknowingly. For this exercise
8. Rustic forgiveness box
love trying to create the aesthetic of rustiness because it speaks to my masculinity and eludes to the letting go aspect of minimalism. Get rid of negative emotions in relation to a person, you need to forgive him or her in style. Take any cardboard box and decorate it with calming patterns. You can add a letter or a photo of this person. The purpose of this activity is to create pleasant memories that connect you with this person.
9. Draw your pain in geometric shapes
To arrange your pain and express your subconscious thoughts that may be inhibiting your happiness, try allowing yourself to be still and draw geometric shapes on the center of a piece of papers. Let it grow and work outwards as the piece develops.
10. Draw Outdoor landscapes
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