Our Last Art Therapy Project
During my final week of posting for art and art therapy, I considered various approaches for this post. And I wanted to do something relating to stress and anger. However, when reflecting on what therapeutic activities worked for my husband and me during COVID-19, I realized that acrylic pouring was our therapy. I pondered on the process and the outcome and recognized its therapeutic value. Now that our kids are older, we decided to share the process with them.
The Process
The process is simple: You start by layering different paint colors in a cup (mixing a solution with the paints), then place a plastic cup filled with paint onto the middle of the canvas. Lift the cup and gently move the canvas so the paint spreads. It’s like watching a lava lamp in action, but you control the outcome. Once complete, you can blow on the canvas for a unique effect or even apply heat to the paint to create interesting bubbles. Since it’s an abstract process, there’s no wrong way. You won’t know what the final result will look like until it’s finished, and that unpredictability makes it an exciting and fun way to let go of any expectations and have fun.
How it relates to the ADHD brain
When thinking about the neurodivergent brain, our minds move a million miles per second. And our insecurities are always at an all-time high because we constantly try to fit into a peg hole when we’re a triangle. I found that almost a sense of release came through when doing this project. I not only had control but could give up control. And that was everything. I also thought about when we shared this process with our family and how sometimes our family has asked us to involve them in the process. Without even realizing it, I have created or been asked to create memories with the people around us using this method because it’s fun and creates unique paintings that I have now seen in homes around us.
When are children first tried?
Like all the other projects, the final outcome was unexpected, even for an acrylic pour. Funny enough, it ended our stressful work day and relieved stress for my husband and me. It also gave us the opportunity to bond. But just like the dollar store project, it was unexpected. My daughter ended up with paint on her hands this time and a fully purple canvas, and my son started the project and ended up giving the project to my husband to finish, as he instructed my husband what he wanted done. I am unsure if this was a stress reliever for my kids, but I saw huge smiles on their faces and a sense of fun and accomplishment.
The lesson I have learned from this experience is that not every activity may be suitable for my kids, but it could be right for my partner and me, and that’s okay. Kids seeing their parents enjoying life with them is also an experience that they will not only appreciate but look up to. Who doesn’t cherish parents enjoying each other, enjoying time with their kids, and enjoying life?