Intervention + 2 Quotes

Sydney & I's Intervention:

The focus is the effects college has on students' mental health. Sydney & are both in an Art Therapy class at NJCU and our professor is teaching us the different ways to get patients to express themselves artistically and visually. Not everyone has the right words to speak to someone about their current situation and the conflicting feelings they may have, so we thought to set up a wall/trifold posterboard to allow students to express themselves without being pressured to say or write anything. By using paint, & possibly leaving some markers out, students are given the opportunity to take any color they please and draw, paint or scribble anything on the posterboard, allowing them a moment to release any emotions that weigh heavy on them. Sydney & I decided to work together and share our knowledge about Art Therapy in order to help students learn some coping skills during a tough semester.

My 2 Quotes

Chapter 2: Process

"Creativity isn't a product, its a process. It's a process that helps us to notice new objects & events, make new connections, and see the world in different ways" (page 51).

• I feel like most people think a creative person just thinks of bright & inspiring ideas on the fly, but there is no knowledge on the fact that there are literal steps the artist takes to get to their work. The creative process is not linear in any sense, but oftentimes takes time and setbacks in order for the artist to finally be motivated by what they're creating. I've personally felt this in my own work. Sometimes I start by jotting notes down or maybe doodling on a piece of paper; I'll play around with my ideas until one hits the way I need it to.

"Our creativity thrives when it can escape the chatter of our mind, or the chatter of other people. This can happen when we're going out of town, or relaxing in the shower. When we can turn off the distractions and quiet our minds, it's like a new channel opens up for creative thought" (page 53).

• Just like my intervention, in order for creativity to flow, a space needs to be made for it. Cluttering your mind with a endless thoughts of things to do will not allow your brain to feel comfortable enough to express itself in abstract ways. If room is made, then its as if the process goes more smoothly.