Mae EscartinHave you ever been into an art workshop that instead of teaching you techniques in doing an artwork, teaches you to find more of yourself and express freely through art? I personally had this experience through Expressive Art Meditation by Carolyn Tongco and Jem Marie Benzon of Artist Madhouse Arts and Crafts Co.
Image source: Artist Madhouse
Artist Madhouse actually began this creative retreat to help everyone know more about themselves and express their feelings. It is a combination of guided meditation and art practices to express yourself without any insecurities and worries. It is a unique way of reaching out and communicating to the “tiny self” inside you.
Meeting the facilitators
Benzon is an artist, child life advocate, and a volunteer leader at Kythe Foundation, a non-profit and non-stock organization aimed to improve the quality of life among hospitalized children with cancer and other chronic illness.
Image source: Artist Madhouse
On the other hand, Tongco considers herself as a “heartist”, which she describes as an artist with a nurturing heart, and also a volunteer leader at Kythe and at the Philippine Orthopedic Center.
Artist Madhouse
Curiosity won over me this time, and before anything else I talked to the facilitators to know more about the program. Tongco shared to me that Artist Madhouse is actually inspired by Vincent Van Gogh and his “yellow house”. This yellow house represents Vincent’s dream of having a group of artist collaboration where artists can express themselves.
Image source: Artist Madhouse
Though Vincent couldn’t fulfill his dream because of his death, they brought Artist Madhouse to life to somehow cater to artists, but their definition of artist is anyone. So, anyone who can actually hold a pen or colors or watercolours or even paints and can draw or write can be an artist.
On the other hand, their usage of the term “madhouse” doesn’t mean an asylum for mad people but a place for healing where one can express his or herself without being judged and ridiculed by other people.
Expressive Art Meditation
Artist Madhouse conducts sessions every month in areas that are most convenient with their clients. Just last February 18, they had a session at The Podium, ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong. There, just like their other sessions, they discussed more about looking-out for oneself.
Image source: Artist Madhouse
Each Expressive Art Meditation session runs for two to three hours. Facilitators start by settling down the participants through a guided imagery and have the participants listen to a comforting music. Then once we we’re relaxed, we were given an hour to make our artwork.
We’re not be restricted on how we would like to create our piece. It would be a free flowing process that leads us to discover their own world.
In my experience, I was afraid to start because I am not an artist and I have this anxiety that I’m easily shy and feel little especially when in big groups. But what they’re saying that once you’ve started to not mind other people around you and you just do what you’re doing, you’ll easily express yourself is really true. I worked on my artwork and finished on time.
Image source: Artist Madhouse
After finishing the artworks, we were given 15 minutes to reflect on what we did. Facilitators encourage us to write our thoughts on journals or paper for us not to forget what our artwork means. Then after this, there’s a sharing mainly to comfort and affirm others as well.
This experience meant a lot to me, I found my way out to an issue that’s worrying me for a while. It also made me realize different things in myself. And it’s very comforting to know that there are people who knew what you’re feeling and have experienced and surpassed the same issues.
Image source: Artist Madhouse
Some people may define art as the clarity of a painting and its elegant value, but for Artist Madhouse’s Benzon and Tongco, art means sharing their gifts and inspiring people to discover theirs. It is more than what people think of their output but what the beholder thinks.
For those who would like to experience the magic of art, Artist Madhouse will be having another Expressive Art Meditation session on March 11, 1-5 PM, at White Space Wellness Center, Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City.
Image source: Artist Madhouse
Click here for the registration form.
Fees include everything needed for the workshop:
P 1500 – 1 participant
P 1350 each – 2 to 4 participants
P 1200 each – 5 to 10 participants
There are more and more events and promos happening in the Philippines! And YuneOh keeps you connected and updated with all the best promos, contests, and events! We are one click away at www.YuneOh.com!
