LauraElliott

Expressive Art

The use of art as a tool for self-expression has a wide range of benefits, including promoting health, self-discovery, and group harmony. I facilitate Expressive Art experiences in a workshop setting, as well as individually. Gatherings are designed according to the needs and purposes of the group. I primarily use tempura paints as the medium, integrating music, poetry and body movement. It is a powerful as well as playful process. No art experience is necessary. The emphasis is on the process, not the technique or results. I provide a safe and comfortable environment, giving participants the opportunity to express freely without comparison or expectation.

In the health arena I have utilized Expressive Art with those experiencing grief, emotional trauma, destructive behavior, and mental or physical illness. It is also a beneficial process for caregivers as a way to release stress and restore balance in body, mind and spirit. Groups and businesses benefit in the areas of team building, visioning, problem solving, creativity and innovative thinking.

Expressive art workshop by Laura Elliott, painter, energy healer.

Laura’s workshop was truly liberating for me. Her gentle, accepting wisdom permeated the atmosphere, presenting me with an opportunity to explore and release hidden wounds that became treasures, surprising in their depth, value and range. Laura opens the workshop with inspiring quotes and gentle body movement that create a bridge between verbal and non‐verbal expression. This was helpful for me as a newcomer to painting. Constrictions gave way to excitement and acceptance, regarding both the painting process and myself. Laura is a gifted artist and facilitator. Under her guidance, disapproval dissolved while colors and forms emerged, no longer “good or bad” but rather a rich composite, each part worthwhile. —J.C. 

Expressive art workshop by Laura Elliott, painter, energy healer.
Expressive art workshop by Laura Elliott, painter, energy healer.

ART IS HEALING

In this series of expressions, layers of feelings were released, moving deep within to discover inner peace. Engaging the bodily movement of brush in hand with the vibrant movement of color on paper evokes healing on all levels of our being—physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.

Expressive Art Workshop by Laura Elliott, painter, energy healer.
Expressive Art Workshop by Laura Elliott, painter, energy healer.

ART IS POWERFUL

Painting our feelings is a direct experience with our inner self—expressing what may be too difficult or disturbing to speak about with another.

Expressive Art Workshop by Laura Elliott, painter, energy healer.
Expressive Art Workshop by Laura Elliott, painter, energy healer.

ART IS TRANSFORMING

The initial paintings released pent-up emotions, allowing anxiety to transform into peace through the second image.

ART IS FREEING

Painting with spontaneity, without expectations or censure is liberating.

Expressive Art Workshop by Laura Elliott, painter, energy healer.
Expressive Art Workshop by Laura Elliott, painter, energy healer.

Participant Experiences

From Students…
— The art class was fun and I was able to get a lot of things off of my chest instead of express anger another way.
— No matter how I felt before I started painting, when I was done I felt really good.

It was a very positive experience.  It increased self-esteem with the feedback received. —Teacher

I liked the class; I thought you were flexible and willing to change things around to adapt to the changes and moods of our students.—Teacher

 

Thank you so much for your time, patience and calming soul. You took on a very difficult job and excelled! I saw something different in a few of my students that I wasn’t able to bring out all year. —Teacher

 

 

The class was well presented. Your style was very relaxed and non-demanding. Students were encouraged to express themselves creatively without fear of criticism. They looked forward to the next session. —Teacher

 

Thank you for a wonderful session of ‘Healing the Heart Through Art’. You did a superb job of creating a comfortable, peaceful, non-threatening haven for all of us. I believe everyone was touched, inspired and grateful for the time spent with you. —L. B. Hospice Counselor

I came feeling tight, confined and angry… I couldn’t focus on anything. With the painting I felt an emotional explosion. I had not had an expressive outlet. I had just been tending to business. I poured out my feelings and felt the freedom of paint on my hands.  I now feel freer and looser… without this class I’d be very ill right now. —B. G.

I want to let you know how much your class has helped my son.  You touched a little boy and helped him find a solution to his fears… and also allowed a mother to get some sleep! —K. M.

Through this art class I’ve been able to bring out feelings that I’ve been pushing back, so I wouldn’t have to deal with them, such as fear of the future and taking decisions.  Now, much of my fear is gone.  The art has helped to clear my mind and come to some decisions.  I feel more at ease and at peace with myself. —M. K.

Wellness Workshops  ♥  Mastering Your Energy  ♥  Healing With Sound