July Issue 105
All Rights Reserved
We challenge
you to get your hands dirty and make something beautiful!
At Hope
Bridges workshops, we recreate memories using art, and turn memories into treasures.
Art is the universal language of expression that anyone can understand. Through
art, we humans have the unique capacity to imagine and create – to put
thoughts, feelings, and even emotions into works of art. Using the arts, we
convey ideas even when it’s impossible to put thoughts into words.
One of the
most wonderful things about art is that there is no question of right and wrong.
The value is in the experience of creating and is unlike any other. Creating
allows the left brain to connect with the right and in doing so, helps us to
relax and tune in with our other senses to the world around us. As we relax,
external stresses fall away, our minds feel more focused, and surprisingly this
all overflows to a sense of clarity in navigating a sometimes crazy life!
Another of
the greatest values in creating art goes beyond simply expressing thoughts,
feelings and emotion. Art has the power to help us treasure our most valuable
memories. When we create a piece of artwork, we celebrate the meaning, or the impact
that a certain someone or something has had in our lives. Art helps us express what
we cannot put into words because art doesn’t need words, it only needs to be
created.
Stacy and
Belinda are two ladies who have both recently experienced the power of art in
their personal lives.
At Hope
Bridges Hand Built Pottery workshop, Stacy felt the support and encouragement
of friends as she created a beautiful wall plaque to showcase her precious
horse. She worked diligently on the piece to make the likeness to her pet as
close as possible. The experience was a happy one for Stacy, and the highlight
– taking the plaque home and placing it in the perfect spot on her wall. Sadly,
not long after finishing this piece, her beloved horse unexpectedly passed away.
The tragic loss will stay with Stacy for her lifetime, but we are certain that
she finds comfort in the art she created to celebrate her companion!
In a similar
experience to Stacy’s, Belinda also creates works of art in the midst of
tragedy. At Hope Bridges Upcycling workshop, Belinda shares her personal journey
through grief with the other workshop participants. As she completes a piece,
she gives it away as a gift. Her peers have allowed Belinda the freedom to
express her pain without fear of judgment. Belinda in turn finds encouragement
and using her creativity, gives back to her community of friends. With each
piece that Belinda is inspired to make, she finds the strength to take one more
step and carry on, not alone but with the support of others.
Just as art
has helped Stacy and Belinda and many others rise above tragedy, creating from
the heart may certainly help you turn a memory into something tangible to treasure.
Begin by taking a deep breath, a step of faith, and get to know your inner
artist!
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