These are my 2 art works from class - both have an obvious resemblance to peacocks. My seeming obsession with this beautiful bird was not a surprise given that I had just performed in a dance production that was titled "Mayura". Mayura is the sanskrit word for peacock and I had been emotionally and physically tied to this theme over the course of the countless rehearsals this summer in preparation for the big show day.
What surprised me was the deeper meanings that projecting these images on paper and clay brought up within me. Peacocks have historically been revered as a mythological bird associated with latent potentiality, inner light and beauty in the face of adversity. Especially in the Indian culture, peacocks are seen as sacred beings, almost like a bridge between the world and the gods.
What does all these mean for me? My first instinct was to dismiss the deeper associations with the bird as going there means having to take a plunge into self introspection - one that requires a lot more effort and will and personal space. But the internal dialogue I've had within me, as a result of the art projects was a pleasant surprise indeed. Who would have thought that a simple exercise could have sooo many layers of meaning?
This activity also reminds me that in working with clients using art, the exercise could take us anywhere. A seemingly literal or 'obvious' representation of art could take on multiple layers of meaning and all it takes is the skill of the therapist in asking the questions and the willingness of the client to explore different aspects of themselves. This is a good reminder to me to never assume what is as opposed to what could be. The sky is the limit!
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What surprised me was the deeper meanings that projecting these images on paper and clay brought up within me. Peacocks have historically been revered as a mythological bird associated with latent potentiality, inner light and beauty in the face of adversity. Especially in the Indian culture, peacocks are seen as sacred beings, almost like a bridge between the world and the gods.
What does all these mean for me? My first instinct was to dismiss the deeper associations with the bird as going there means having to take a plunge into self introspection - one that requires a lot more effort and will and personal space. But the internal dialogue I've had within me, as a result of the art projects was a pleasant surprise indeed. Who would have thought that a simple exercise could have sooo many layers of meaning?
This activity also reminds me that in working with clients using art, the exercise could take us anywhere. A seemingly literal or 'obvious' representation of art could take on multiple layers of meaning and all it takes is the skill of the therapist in asking the questions and the willingness of the client to explore different aspects of themselves. This is a good reminder to me to never assume what is as opposed to what could be. The sky is the limit!
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