When I felt inspired to take on painting, it was about expressing the myriads of colors and textures!! Because of this, even though I appreciate any nice structured painting- like all the famous art in Louvre, it was (still is the case) not for me.
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I prefer abstract painting, because, similar to life- the interpretation that one finds in any abstract visual work- depends on one’s own inner being. 

When we see an abstract painting, it tends to bring up our deeper emotions to surface. Then, if one is to observe one’s own reaction to any painting (particularly abstract) then you will find that it helps one to identify one’s own shadow and repressed side.

Once such emotions come to light, then atleast we have taken the first step towards addressing our deeper challenges.

Does this help only the observer or also the artist? Actually- both people.

When the artist paints with abandon, then they are creating content from their inner depth by releasing any ‘stuck emotions’ from within - that is how art can and has been used successfully as a therapeutic medium, over the years.

You can check out more about Art Therapy, if you are not very familiar with that concept.
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And then, when one observes such a painting, it nudges and probes and prods the deeper essence within the observer.
Such is the real and true beauty of abstract art- it is truly in the eye of the beholder!!

This is one of my first artwork. It is made with acrylic paints using a sponge.

What do you see in this painting? What do the colors mean for you? What emotions do they conjure up within you? Observer how you feel and see if you can identify your deeper emotions and also your latent potential…

​#arttherapy #healingwithart   #healingart   #emotionalhealing   #catharsis #artjournaling   #artforhealing  #AbstractArt    #emotionalwellbeing   #paintyourwaytowellness   #emotionalhealing   #mentalhealth   #raisingyourenergy  #VisualArt #OriginalArtworkbyMaitreyiGautam  #OriginalArtwork #abstractpainting #MaitreyiGautam

​Art Therapy is a technique where a person’s spontaneous creation of art is used as a means of cathartic self-expression. Such expression and release of emotions improves the person’s sense of well-being.

Which “Art Creation” qualifies? Well, there are no hard and fast rules on this- it could be as simple as drawing or sketching ‘or’ as intricate and challenging as collage-making or sculpting.

​Art Therapy was first used in the 1940s in England. The first practitioners and pioneers of this technique were Adrian Hill and Irene Champernowne. Adrian was an artist and Irene was a psychotherapist. While Adrian was recuperating at the hospital for tuberculosis; he used to paint and thus use his drawing as a means of recreation and catharsis.

​Upon noting these benefits, he started suggesting to other fellow-residents (patients) to take up drawing as a means of improving their sense of well-being. Several of these patients had witnessed the trying circumstances and goriness of World War II and they found much relief by expressing their anxieties and other psychological imbalances.

Irene on the other hand had studied psychotherapy under Carl Jung and found much interest in following Jung’s technique in using art to help patients express their repressed and/or unconscious feelings.

Even though there are several Art Therapy related professional associations and it is also taught as a formal curriculum in certain programs, it needs to be mentioned that the basic cathartic benefits and the sense of well-being which consequently develops from expressing hidden emotions coupled with the joy of creation are experienced by anyone using mere basic principles of this technique.

​Remember Hill’s suggestion to his fellow hospital residents- even simple drawing and/or painting can have a very beneficial effect. The main key element here is the spontaneous creation of art.

#arttherapy #healingwithart   #healingart   #emotionalhealing   #catharsis  #artjournaling   #artforhealing   #emotionalwellbeing   #paintyourwaytowellness   #emotionalhealing   #mentalhealth   #raisingyourenergy   

As our times seem to be getting more chaotic, it is important to remember our focus- in our own life and lifestyle habits.

According to Quantum Mechanics- we are all connected and the chaos of life itself brings about our so-called ordered existing, i.e. this manifested world!

​As people who choose to live consciously, when we are surrounded by challenging news, it is easy to feel scared or worried- but remember that it is in all of us as our own 'iccha shakti', our intentional-will that can help to process and create well-being from all the chaos surrounding us!  
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As above, so below… as nature creates order from chaos, so can we… something to think about as we start a new week…

​#chaostheory #artbyMaitreyi #maitreyigautam #healingart #inspirationalquotes

But spring is also the time to address old grudges and issues. If you can patch up your differences, then take the time to do so. And in case you feel that you (or the other person) has moved on in their life, then wish them well and make it a conscious decision to move on.

Life is too short to waste it on hurts and grudges!

Wishing everyone a wonderful spring time ahead…

Spring- time to patch up old differences and move on to new avenues... a fun art, card made using faux alcohol inks on plain white card paper.

​#artcard #conflictresolution #artjournal #springcleaning   #forgiveness   #artbymaitreyi

​Today is the Spring Equinox- time that signifies change! It is the start of spring. Even though we still have deep memories of the bitter cold winter, all the fresh growth around us, ask us to let go of the past and work on the new…

How do you plan to bring in the wisdom of today’s Equinox? 

Have you recently been through some major challenges? Have you been struggling trying to save a lost cause (be it about a person or a situation)? Then do not fret about it anymore. 

Spring Equinox brings us this message today to let go of the past and embrace the new. When we hear about endings- we typically tend to feel afraid and worried. But it is important to remember that all new beginnings need an ending somewhere… at some point… and at the same time, all endings ultimately lead to new beginnings.

This is a simple and yet profound truth of our life and existence- “The Cycle of Life” or Samsara in Sanskrit.

Equinox which is just an important juncture in the cycle of nature- asks us to remember and honor this important truth about the cycle of life.

​#spring #equinox #firstdayofspring   #welcomespring   #newgrowth   #aries   #maitreyiparadigm   #maitreyigautam