Opening Envelopes

Here is a wonderful, joyful process to begin an art therapy group, a teachers’ meeting, and even a family gathering. If you wish to introduce art-making as a language of communication from the very beginning in any group, this suggestion is for you.

We begin our first acquaintance with materials! By that, we precede the talking introductions. In a new group, this bypasses technical and emotional obstacles and even boredom. It opens up a space of creation, permission, and surprise. after that, the conversation becomes much more accurate and relevant as it is founded on what our hands already said minutes ago. 

This is the basic process:

The group sits in a circle. I walk around and hand each participant an envelope.  They all contain the same materials.

They are encouraged to create something on their knees with what they find, without additional material or tools in three-four minutes:  “Whatever you do is fine! Enjoy” 

The same starting point for all creates infinity and variations.

The feelings in the busy circle are amusement, embarrassment, curious eyes looking around, enthusiasm, humor, and permission to do what the hands feel like. You hear the hush of tearing papers, giggles, comments, and breathing.

We present all in the center as an exhibition, mandala, and whoever is ready will introduce themselves through the artwork. By now, only minutes after we met we have created a group portrait. This image will be documented. It magically will be linked later on also to the blueprint of each person. 

What and how do we choose? 

We need to contemplate the brode groups’ aims at the time and metaphorically translate them to a few items in an envelope. There is no one true path – just pay attention to your choices of Matter, and ask yourself: Do all materials allow a change in them?  Can they relate to the others?  Is there enough contrast, and variety? Is it too much? Is the connective element flexible enough? Why is this specific connector needed now? 

The choice of materials is critical. The more “abstract” they are, the more playfulness they will invite. If the materials contain reminiscent of images [ball = head, moving eyes = portrait] the process will be more restrained.

Likewise, notice how your choice is your subjective taste, which is also fine. I often add something dear to me at the time, so I feel how all use “my” parchment. It helps me connect to each of the group members through my personal prism. In a therapeutic group, it is a tiny bond I make with each person through Matter. 

Such were envelopes were suggested to an art teachers’ course: They included four kinds of paper, a magnet, and an iron net and string. The metaphors of layers, transparency, and connections were on my mind. 

Preparation

Here is a different choice that was planned for a birthday party of an 8-years old and his best friends in my studio. I chose materials he loved and used at the time: glittering elements and animal stickers. I added a match as a special drawing element. 

Questions that often arise are: should I use the envelope as well? should I use all of them? can I tear it?

The answer is one: do whatever you feel is right for your hands. All is fine.

The two secrets of this process are minimalism and the precise choice of materials. Try to find the ones that are the metaphor for your aims at this specific time. Think carefully about the connector, the string, thread, paper clips, etc. What do they mean to you? How is the one you choose the right metaphor for this situation?

Try not to add too many materials as it creates confusion. 

Less is more!

The Spirit of Matter – pdf – A Database Handbook for Therapists, Artists, and Educators

The Good Enough Studio