Sunday 12 April 2015

Colouring-in, why its now a thing...softies, and anxiety



 

For me as a child, colouring-in was a guilty pleasure, rather like reading books by Enid Blyton (not a broad enough vocab.), watching commercial TV (too tacky) or Walt Disney (do I need to explain? If so, check out the movie Saving Mr Banks, for Emma Thompson's brilliant portrayal of PL Travers, struggling with the Disneyfication of Mary Poppins...).

Sadly, the drawings in children's colouring-in books are less than inspiring - as an older child, I preferred Altair designs, which were also more acceptable to my artist parents, as they were abstract, less prescriptive, and encouraged creative interpretation. But sitting down with some coloured pencils or felt pens and having some time out colouring was just - really - cool.

However, I could never have imagined or predicted the current level of interest in colouring-in books - for adults. Yes, colouring-in is now definitely a (grown-up) thing. A Secret Garden by Johanna Basford is a best-seller, and there are numerous other beautiful colouring-in books currently being produced.

Including this one, Breathing to a New Beat, which I have contributed a drawing to. This is the third project by Curly Pops I have been involved in...and I have to say, after rashly agreeing to produce an image, and then wondering for a couple of weeks why I create more stress in my life, by signing up for these projects...ultimately, though, its so worthwhile, thanks to Camille's fantastic creativity, encouragement and organising skills...and for a good cause. I feel very privileged to be included.

And of course, as an art therapist, this is all very interesting.

And now for some recent softies:

Baby rabbit in Hungry Caterpillar pyjamas - the free pattern is from Shiny Happy World.

 
So is the pattern for this bear, which I made into a bean bag. I am going to try using him with clients, to help them with mindful breathing.


And then there is my anxiety monster, which I shared a drawing of in my last blog post.  This is the 3-D version, fully stuffed and sewn.  I recently read My Age of Anxiety by Scott Stossel, which absolutely puts everyday anxiety into perspective. Such a brave thing to write this book...it struck me how much its about embarassing bodies, really. And how they let us down...

Having just had a relaxing week off work, I am doing pretty well with my self-care. Since writing that previous post, I have made more of an effort to keep up my meditation practice. My sleeping pattern is improving, bit by bit...

My next challenge is to start saying 'no' to some requests for work (or even art projects...). In the last three months, I have had four jobs, and in one week, I did all four (there was a bit of an overlap). This seems a little ridiculous.

 Kit Bag for Anzac Day

I'll share one more picture of a recent TAFE art project, working with new migrants with very little English,  for Harmony Day.



more later
Namaste