Art as a Tool of Recovery

Transcription

1 Business Name Special Points of Interest: Issue 16, November & December 2013 This Newsletter is available on the MSS Website at: Just follow the link to Newsletters. Art as a Tool of Recovery Taylor Sundmark, pictured above at Artbeat Studio with his painting, Mes. Studio Central is an Artbeat Studio Inc. Project. In The Sharing Tree we often interview artists who are involved in Artbeat Studio first and then graduate into the stage of further development of their creative skill or talent to Studio Central. The alumni of Artbeat Studio gain career path momentum by participating in the implementation of a comprehensive community based arts program. Residents of the Manitoba Housing complex at 444 Kennedy Street are provided with professional mentorship in the arts, space to work on projects and an opportunity to participate in a range of social activities (e.g. musical performances and community building events.) These previous quotations were taken from a brochure representing artwork at these two separate and intertwined locations. This specific brochure was sponsored by the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and the Crisis Response Centre in partnership with ArtBeat Studio and Studio Central. Now I will explain that Taylor Sundmark was interviewed as an artist involved with these two complementary organizations for this issue of The Sharing Tree. Taylor is a Fine Arts student at the University of Manitoba. He s one of those fortunate people who creates artwork (we saw his paintings), by intuition. His paintings are first and foremost medicinal for him. A lot of how he determines what color to use, and other techniques etcetera, is automatic. By doing so he explains that he does not let any conscious restrictions overrule his thinking. His creative motivation comes from the heart, before thought and knowledge. He doesn t think about what to do. He just mixes colors till it feels perfect and puts the paint on canvas. Taylor s creativity can be evident also by his making up of a language of his own. He uses these words as titles of some of his mainly abstract paintings (the ones we saw there): Mes, Sool, and Gem. In his words he explains that occasionally he uses graffiti, or as he says an imagined language with the use of symbols. In his search and quest for meaningful self exploration, just seeing his made up language, graffiti and symbols, allows him, in his own words to get to be the type of person he wants to be. It unlocks certain doors and allows him to feel healthy, happy and grounded. As his mind ascends into a wordless zone, he feels that this clears his mind, and cleanses his palate. He prefers to follow his intuition, although there are times where he decides and Art.Recovery cont. p. 2 Editor: Jo-Ann Paley INSIDE Art as. Recovery... cont.page 2 MSS Group Activities......Page 3 MSS H.O.P.E.S. Group...Page 4 Holiday Concert...Page 4 Family Support Group...Page 4 Partners in Awareness....Page 4 M S S P e e r S u p p o r t G r o u p Schedule... Page 5 MSS Women s Group Schedule..Page 6 If you would like to send something in for this newsletter please your submission to: Karen@mss.mb.ca or send it to The Manitoba Schizophrenia Society, Fort Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 1C4. Message from the Editor: We reserve the right to change the formatting of work received but we will not change the meaning of any work submitted.

2 Page 2 A Bird Story On Thursday, August 22, 2013, the MSS Women s Group went for a walk to the Forks. Each of us was given a bottle of water at the start of the walk. A much needed refreshment on this lovely, warm day. We walked along a path that yielded many interesting things. The beauty of nature --- plants and birds was apparent. I saw many different native plants. Some were in the Forks native plant garden, and some were along the pathway that we walked. I could hear birds singing in the trees. We also saw the beautiful yellow goldfinch taking a dip in a water fall with other little sparrow like birds. I m sure I heard and saw some chirping sparrows, in and about some evergreens. Chirping sparrows hold a special place in my heart because my family and I raised two of them. My friend and I found them. They had fallen from their nest due to strong winds. We could not find their nest to put them back in. I brought the birds home. The birds were not expected to live, but I really hoped that they would survive. At their first feeding, helped by my Mom, I had to pry their beaks open to get food into them. They had so few feathers they were transparent. We could see the food going inside them. The next morning, very, very early the next morning, there came beautiful and demanding peeps for more food. The birds had survived their first night in their new home. They imprinted on me. I became their mother. Their survival became a family project. It was a wonder to see them thrive and grow. They had different personalities. Josephene was a happy-go-lucky bird, sort of rolly-polly. She would take a regular swan dive, into one of the bird s seed dishes, and send seeds flying. This was a regular cleaning up job for us. Addy was definitely more reserved. She put up with her roommate s antics. The birds had a long and contented life. In human years Addy lived to be in her 80 s and Josephene lived to be in her 90 s. I could tell many more stories of their lives with us, and have many reflections about nature. A re-awakening for me, as I travel this difficult life. By J.E.C. The following is a continuation of the same story but was written for a humour interpretation for a women s writers group. I could write many funny stories about the wild birds my family and I raised. They were chirping sparrows, with sleek brown bodies. Smaller than the regular house sparrows. They generally lived in a budgie cage. They were happy little birds, not missing the great outdoors. I would bring in branches for them to play in. They were always welcome to play fetch. I put a large white sheet on the bed, then would throw seeds for them. Addy opted out of this game. I am not going to run after seeds. It is very undignified. Josephene really got into the game. She would run after the bouncing seeds. She didn t quite get all of the rules of fetch, and would crack open the seed and eat it. So much for the concept of fetch. Josephene rather enjoyed the game. Addy would just roll her eyes: Running after seeds... that Josephene! What s a bird to do? So they really were contented little birds. Played with, cared for and loved. P.S. Technically I was breaking the law by keeping them. Migratory Bird Status indicates no one is allowed to cage migratory birds. By J.E.C. Art as...recovery cont. from page 1 works with parameters, but his intuition overthrows the boundaries. Taylor likes to help people, with art being medicinal for him, and possibly, hopefully, in a new way for others also! With his own lived experiences in depression, ADD, bipolar, schizoaffective disorder, anxiety and schizophrenia, with bouts of psychosis, he has learned ways of coping in his recovery. His version is that he is careful in letting his thoughts run free by stopping thoughts that cause him to panic, come undone or fall apart. A quote he relates to is: What you resist persists. What you look at disappears. By this he means not to try to stop bad thoughts but to allow you to feel the way you feel and let it go. Recovery through art is in quiet moments, persistent and very open in these times. He doesn t speak words when at work at his art, at his best. He likes art that doesn t pigeonhole but says many things, or nothing at all. Coming together while creating, he explains that art brings him to a level of feeling healthy and happy and that doesn t restrict his experiences. Taylor admits that his symptoms go back and forth from happy and pleasant symptoms to paranoia and psychosis. The feelings can be infinitely frightening in an indescribable way or combination of ways. He tries to be careful with his thoughts and beliefs. He suggests to others to make up the world you want! He believes there are different dimensions and vibrations but you can t allow those thoughts to freak you out. Be careful what you believe in. Now to switch thoughts, with regards to the Fine Arts program at the U. Of Manitoba, he has studio classes, figure study, drawing studio, and art history, among many other inspiring classes. Taylor says There is a good atmosphere there, and it s good practise for him. The discipline he is learning makes him more of a substantial producer. In this positive atmosphere, he feels more professional and enjoys being busy in a good way. To summarize: What a person can gain from ArtBeat and Studio Central s program career path, becoming tomorrow s professional mentor in the arts and ultimately in life, can be summarized in a quote by St. Francis of Assisi, as follows A single sunbeam is enough to drive away many shadows. Information from an interview with Taylor Sundmark by Jo-Ann Paley, at Studio Central on Friday October 4, Be Inspired. Be an Inspiration and Inspire Beyond Your Potential! As you prepare for the holidays, what are your gifts for this season? It s not all about meals and presents. It s about sharing your personal gifts with others. By being creative you can have new perspectives on life when you risk going beyond your barriers. If you think it is possible for you to reach your highest potential you may live an extraordinary life trying. You could have a hidden talent and can gain an unknown and unexpected wisdom as you grow in newness, as God empowers you to live your dreams. We should try to inspire each other! The least we will have is more friends and new admirers. Have a joyful holiday! Live life to the fullest and be creative, following Taylor s example. He inspired me. Can he inspire you? By Jo-Ann Paley, Editor

3 Page 3 MANITOBA SCHIZOPHREN IA SOCIETY ACTIVITIES Members of the Peer Support Group and the MSS Women s Program (pictured below) enjoyed the summer activities with nature walks and a tour to view the architecture of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Comments by Group members about the visit to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and other activities: Beautiful it s energy efficient. It s like a tomb. It s a huge building but looks scary because there are so many walls of stone. I like the statue of Gandhi. The Writers workshop with Sherri was good. It was nice to have that plan on the sheet and the comments were interesting. The physical exercise information day was very informative. MSS Peer Support Group members enjoy games, music and treats at the Halloween party on October 30th, To the right and below MSS Women s Group participants enjoy a peanut race and Pin the tail on the cat, with our friendly witch, Sheila, twirling and guiding Ruth to the board at the Halloween Party on October 31st, Those who attended said they enjoyed the camaraderie and party atmosphere. Thank you, Sheila for all your help.

4 Page 4 for young people living with psychosis and schizophrenia If you are a person between 15 and 30 and are living with psychosis and schizophrenia, or schizo-affective disorder, H.O.P.E.S. or Hope and Opportunity through Peers, Empowerment and Support might be a place for you! 4 Fort Street, Winnipeg First Tuesday of the Month 4:30 pm 5:30 pm Contact: the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society at FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP For families and friends of those experiencing schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and psychosis. Fourth Tuesday of every month Time: 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m Schedule November 26, December 17, 2013 For more information contact or info@mss.mb.ca Partners in Awareness A Peer Support Group For Professionals with schizophrenia November 12, :00 P.M. 4 Fort Street, Winnipeg Call:

5 Page 5 Manitoba Schizophrenia Society 4 Fort Street Winnipeg, MB Phone: Peer Support Group Schedule NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2013 SCHEDULE Meeting Time: Wednesday, 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM (Occasionally group start time may vary according to the program of the day.) Need to talk to someone about your life with schizophrenia, or schizoaffective disorder? Then consider attending the MSS PEER SUPPORT GROUP Date Activity November 6 Walk to the Legislative Building and Cenotaph to mark Remembrance Day Rain Plan Activity around Remembrance Day at FACES 13 Planning & Discussion about Schizoaffective Disorder 20 Relationships and Mental Illness 27 Talent Day Music, singing, juggling demonstration December SEASONS GREETINGS 4 Holiday Luncheon at 12:30 p.m. Food, music, quizzes, Bingo 11 Group is cancelled for today. You are welcome to attend the Multi Cultural Food Fare 5:30 7:30 p.m. There will be a cost for food. Location: West Minster United Church (Lecture Hall) Maryland & Westminster Avenue Holiday Concert Tickets $ Creativity Day Writing and/or Arts & Crafts CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON DECEMBER 20th UNTIL JANUARY 6 TH, 2014 NEXT PEER SUPPORT GROUP ON JANUARY 8 TH, 2014

6 Page 6 Women s Program Schedule November/December 2013 Meetings are held on Thursday afternoon from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM at 4 Fort Street (FACES) although sometimes we go on outings. Any women living with a mental illness are welcome to attend. Occasionally we are out of the office for an activity so please call to confirm your attendance at November 7 Movie Day at FACES Group starts at 1:00 p.m. for Movie Day 14 Writer s Group Workshop with Special Guest Melissa Steele 21 Arts & Crafts 28 Planning & Sharing December 5 Holiday Party & Potluck Luncheon Music, quizzes, surprises GROUP STARTS AT 12:30 P.M. FOR THIS OCCASION- Please call Karen at to confirm your attendance and what you are bringing. If you are bringing something please bring only enough for yourself and one other person. 12 Sharing Discussion 19 Christmas Crafts MSS is Closed for the Holidays from December 20 th 2013 until January 6 th, Next Women s Group January 9 th, 2014 Funded by: