The Soda Can Torso, in a swimsuit, was my second creation, while working on a project with my art mentor, Ilhaam Stolof. I want to clarify that the point of my art was not art therapy but that art can always be therapeutic to the artist and viewer. My brief was to make art daily … Continue reading Friday Art Studio: My Expressive Art – ‘Soda Can Torso’ in a swimsuit.
feelings
Ramblings from my Teacup
When we long for things other people have Have you ever been at the beach or park and you see someone walking along with a lilt in their step, hair flying in the breeze and they seem to embody the picture of ideal happiness or health. Maybe it elicits a feeling of slight envy; you … Continue reading Ramblings from my Teacup
Discovering My Ancestry
Discovering my ancestry: a journey of synthesizing and assimilating. ‘We don’t talk about that!’ My mother rasped at me in response to me showing her an antique lace cloth I had found in her belongings. She sounded like she was choking as she spoke; she sat on the other side of the room and … Continue reading Discovering My Ancestry
Friday Art Studio: My Expressive Art – balloon figurine.
My art, first-and-foremost, has an emotional message. Not pretty. Not beautiful. Not finessed. It is often rough, edgy and uncomfortable. I feel something, I share it, and the viewer feels something. It might not be the same thing that we feel. Sometimes my art is classed as Naïve(naive) art*, other times my landscapes capture reality. … Continue reading Friday Art Studio: My Expressive Art – balloon figurine.
Growing Old/Older
I consider myself in the beginning stages of growing old as I am 63 years old although when I was in my twenties I probably thought that 63 was ancient. I didn’t get to meet either set of grandparents so when it came to my mother aging I found it quite challenging but I learnt … Continue reading Growing Old/Older
My June News
We had a busy month completing our guest room and spending time with family; and believe it or not it was my art that kept me sane. Guest Room Completed Completing the guest room was quite a marathon: it took us from the end of April, laying the foundations, to the 21st of June when … Continue reading My June News
Relationships in Synergistic Communities
In the past, the author viewed friendships as separate from other relationships, perceiving them as burdens. However, their perspective has evolved to embrace all individuals as part of a vibrant community, likening it to a diverse garden. Each person, like plants, holds unique value, contributing to the synergy of social interactions. The author emphasizes the importance of collaboration, kindness, and connection, advocating for community growth and effective relationships that can address shared challenges while respecting individual roles.
Slivers of Joy
The author reflects on the importance of taking pauses in daily life, contrasting past rush with newfound appreciation for quiet moments. Through this practice, they enjoy simple joys, like sunshine and birdsong, while questioning activities that enrich their life. Emphasizing mindfulness, they encourage others to recognize their own moments of joy.
The Sun Rises Out of the Dark
"Faith is the bird that feels the light when the dawn is still dark.” – Rabindranath Tagore It is easy to feel weighed down by personal problems or world events but what I know I need to do is turn my face towards the light when the dawn is still dark. Here is my letter-poem … Continue reading The Sun Rises Out of the Dark
The Mirror That Mends the Soul
The therapeutic relationship, or alliance, is vital for meaningful change in therapy, acting as a mirror that reflects emotions and unspoken truths. Essential therapist qualities include empathy, trustworthiness, and authenticity, fostering a safe environment for healing. Therapy encourages self-responsibility and growth, as clients learn to navigate their experiences rather than remain victimized by their past. A deepening alliance requires ongoing reflection and dialogue, paving the way for constructive healing and personal growth.
Morag Noffke 