For International Women’s Day, women from our Art Psychotherapy group unveiled their collaborative canvas piece, It Comes in Waves.
It Comes in Waves is described as a visual representation of women’s strengths and vulnerabilities, symbolised by the elements and the four seasons.
The group have been working on the piece for the past three months and the result of their incredible creativity and hard work is truly amazing.
Below are the artists reflections:
- “I titled it ‘It Comes in Waves’ because life is a flow of endings, dramas, failures, fresh starts, achievements – highs, lows, storms and calm.”
- “I love the Spring when everything is new and fresh and the colours are like new beginnings. My sunflower and Forget-me-not flowers symbolise my feelings of Spring, Summer and Hope and never to be forgotten.”
- “I am an Earth Sign so I did the hearts based on this and the heart shapes because life is about Love and spreading Love.”
- “Winter Snow although sometimes harsh, represents being cosy and feeling magical and the Winter Doves symbolise Peace and Strength.”
- “I was really nervous about doing my trees. To me these represent grounding and the trees’ roots are stronger and wiser than I will ever be. I love the way that they change with the seasons just like me with my S.A.D.”
- “The Element of Earth and the Autumn Season is a transitional period. It represents grounding, and being in Nature brings me back to what is really important and gives me thinking space.”
- “I chose the fire element and the phoenix as for me it represents the inner strength within us all that keeps us fighting for recovery and wellness. No matter how many times she falls to dust, or the flames flicker; with hope, and determination she always tries again.”
- “The oil sticks represent that fight for me so perfectly. The oil is warmed by your body heat, you push and blend with your fingers, and the use of them is such a physical action and release.”
- “The woman was created to represent mystery, confidence, and elegance. Her face is partially hidden behind a cascade of vibrant, golden-lined petals, symbolising both strength and delicacy. The bold red lips exude passion and self-assurance, while the surrounding colours create an aura of creativity and beauty.”
- “Like the Yin element, Water represents a feminine quality and can be a symbol of the cycle of peace.”
- “The air balloon is freedom and we are not restricted, it blows in the wind and represents not only a vulnerability that we may sometimes lose control but with strength we can hold on and choose the direction in which to continue on our journey.”
- “We breathe in the air; there is a peace and serenity through the calm winds, and although sometimes turbulent, we know the stillness will come again.”
The painting is now on display in the stairwell of our Gloucester Women’s Centre.
Scroll through the journey below!
