By Maisha Hasan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Art is often portrayed as an instrument for resistance, to deal with troubled times, or the desire for control and perfection: the classic tortured artist. However, many people find solace in art, collecting the scattered pieces of their mind or projecting their innermost thoughts and feelings onto paper, clay, or another medium.
Art and other creative outlets can act as a refuge from outer, and even inner, conflicts, giving people a tool for healing. Lena Sarda prioritizes this approach and will be inviting people into this practice, beginning her therapeutic art workshops in the fall. The Art with Heart: Reflective Art Workshop Series consists of five engaging workshops designed to promote artistic expression and self-discovery among Burlington’s community members.
This workshop series will be funded by the Burlington Arts and Culture Fund, which provides grants to local artists, multicultural groups, and cultural organizations. The goal of this fund is to build community and recognize and support diverse identities, perspectives, languages, and artistic practices.
The Art with Heart workshops, which will be led by Sarda, a multidisciplinary artist, facilitator, and therapeutic arts instructor, are designed to strengthen resilience and mental health in general. The combination of therapeutic art exercises and mindfulness exercises will guide participants toward self-reflection and general well-being. This program strongly emphasizes developing critical skills like self-assurance, positive interpersonal dynamics, resilient thinking, and healthy coping mechanisms.
A select few of the pieces created during these workshops will be displayed as a part of a community exhibit at Burlington Public Library to further highlight the importance of mental health and healthy coping habits.
I had the opportunity to speak to Lena Sarda herself and learn more about the workshops.
How will the workshops be structured?
The Art with Heart: Reflective Art Workshops Series is a series of five weekly workshops (two hours in duration) that will run consecutively for five weeks on Wednesday evenings beginning in November 2024. The workshops combine art exercises, mindfulness practices, and journalling guided by the facilitator in a welcoming environment that promotes creativity and wellness.
The workshops are designed to engage community residents in a transformative journey of creative expression and self-discovery in order to improve overall mental health.
At the end of the workshop series, some of the artworks created during the project will be displayed in a community art exhibition, “Community Canvas Celebration,” at Central Library to share the importance of mental health and how the arts play a pivotal role in our wellness.
How have you incorporated your own experiences and perspective into the workshops?
The act of creating is a powerful tool. I am deeply influenced by the intersection of art and mental health in my own work. I often find inspiration in the complexities of the human psyche, exploring themes of identity, resilience, and emotional vulnerability. The pandemic was a very difficult time for many of us for different reasons. Art has always been the thing that has provided me with a form of escape and given me a voice to share my innermost thoughts and feelings.
During the pandemic, it helped convey my feelings when I couldn’t find the words to share what I was experiencing inside. As an outlet for self-expression, I just flowed with the process. Out of my experience during the pandemic, I created a small body of work that symbolized my personal journey during that time. It was a very organic process, but it told a story that so many others could relate to. Art is an outlet and a way for me to share stories that inspire and evoke emotion. I wanted to use my personal experience to provide others with a similar outlet and space to do the same but in a meaningful way.
What first inspired you to create these workshops?
This project is something that I wanted to do for years. I’m an educator and I also facilitate a lot of arts-based workshops and training across the Greater Hamilton and Toronto areas. As a result, I have met many amazing people along the way who shared with me how much art has improved their wellness and overall self-confidence. They carry this confidence with them, and it trickles into other aspects of their life. As I started hearing this recurring theme, it made me realize that people need a healthy outlet to create and reflect.
Many of us find ourselves feeling overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, and uncertainty in our daily lives. We often forget to take a moment to slow down and catch our breath. We’re so busy “doing” that we forget just how to “be.” Stillness brings clarity, calmness, and creativity. It’s through slowing down and engaging in the things that bring us joy that we remember to nurture that within ourselves. Doing so can greatly improve mental health. An often overlooked area is the role that art can play in promoting mental well-being. As a visual artist, I’ve come to deeply appreciate not only the therapeutic benefits of creating art, but also the profound impact it can have on those who experience it.
How do you think art will foster interpersonal relationships and self-esteem?
Art has a profound ability to enrich interpersonal relationships and bolster self-esteem through its therapeutic and expressive capacities. As a visual artist and art educator, I’ve witnessed firsthand how engaging in artistic activities can facilitate communication beyond words, allowing individuals to convey complex emotions and experiences. This non-verbal form of expression promotes empathy and understanding among participants, fostering deeper connections in their interactions and connections with others.
The act of creating art is calming, offering a channel for mindfulness and stress reduction. As people develop their artistic skills and produce meaningful work, they experience a sense of achievement and increased confidence. It is a beautiful process to witness as it unfolds because it nurtures a positive self-image and personal growth in each person.
Guided art exercises encourage introspection and emotional exploration, leading to greater self-awareness and insight. Moreover, creating reflective art in a supportive setting, cultivates a sense of engagement, belonging, and community, while strengthening interpersonal bonds and reducing feelings of isolation.
Overall, art harnesses the transformative potential of creative expression to enhance emotional well-being and promote personal development. By integrating art into therapeutic practices, people can tap into new avenues for self-expression, connection, and empowerment, making it an invaluable resource in fostering healthier interpersonal relationships and a stronger sense of self.
Is there a specific art exercise or activity that you find the most impactful during the workshop?
Each art activity has been thoughtfully designed and selected to provide participants with a positive experience and will resonate with individuals differently. The workshops offer a place for community residents to come together, share experiences, and collaboratively create art. This project will create a new initiative in the community to inspire art, support wellness, and encourage dialogue around mental health.
For more information on Sarda and her work, click here to go to her website. Watch for more information on how to sign up for the Art With Heart workshop series, or email Sarda at lenas.theartist@gmail.com.
