Have you ever felt the healing power of art? Found yourself lost in the colors, shapes, and textures, and felt a sense of peace wash over you? Ever considered art a powerful medium for self-expression and healing?
Well, I’m about to toss in collage art with a special focus on Asian-Pacific Islander themes and take your feelings and experiences to a whole new level?
Intrigued? Awesome. Let’s dive in!
A Rich Tapestry of History
Did you know that the Asian-Pacific Islander community is incredibly diverse, encompassing more than 50 distinct racial/ethnic groups, each with its own unique traditions, languages, and cultural practices? Their contributions to the world are immense, spanning various fields including science, medicine, literature, art, sports, government, and activism.
Science:
Peter Tsai, a Taiwanese American materials scientist, invented the N95 respirator in the 1990s. Originally intended for industrial use, the N95 respirator proved to be 10 times more efficient than other masks, and it was discovered that it could also block viruses and bacteria. This invention has proven to be indispensable during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Medicine:
Fe del Mundo, a Filipina pediatrician and researcher, dedicated her eight-decade career to improving the wellbeing of children. She established the first Western hospital in San Francisco’s Chinatown and led its OBGYN and pediatrics unit.
Dr. Tetsuko Akutso, a Japanese American surgeon, was a pioneer in the field of artificial heart development. He was part of the team that conducted the first successful experimental implant of a total artificial heart in the United States.
Literature:
Asian-Pacific Islander poets like Atsuro Riley, Cathy Park Hong, and Ocean Vuong have made significant contributions to modern and contemporary poetry. Their works not only celebrate the complexities of cultural heritage but also address universal themes of love, loss, and resilience.
Asian-Pacific Islander authors have also made groundbreaking contributions to literature. For instance, Ted Chiang and C Pam Zhang have been recognized for their influential works.
Art:
Chiura Obata, a Japanese American artist, is known for his vivid paintings of natural landscapes. His work captures a rich variety of American wilderness scenes, especially the mountains in California.
Isamu Noguchi, a critically acclaimed sculptor, also created gardens, furniture, lighting fixtures, ceramics, and architecture. His work spans a variety of mediums and styles, reflecting the diversity and richness of Asian-Pacific Islander art.
These individuals represent just a fraction of the many Asian-Pacific Islanders who have made significant contributions in their respective fields. Their work continues to inspire and influence people around the world.
The Healing Power of Art
Many traditional healing practices in these cultures emphasize the connection between the mind and body. For instance, Native Hawaiians use practices like lomilomi (massage), la’au lapa’au (herbal or plant-based healing), la’au Kahea (prayer), and ho’oponopono (conflict resolution).
Let’s get a deeper insight into these traditional Hawaiian healing practices:
Lomilomi (Massage): Lomilomi is a traditional Hawaiian massage that uses a combination of massage techniques, nut oils, and sometimes elements of prayer, breathing and dance to restore energy and soothe the body. It is also known as the “loving hands” massage. This name helps to understand its principles - the massage works gently yet deeply into the muscles with continuous, flowing strokes, allowing the recipient to relax and give in to the nurturing touch.
La’au Lapa’au (Herbal or Plant-Based Healing): La’au Lapa’au is the practice of healing through the use of plants and herbs. This practice is based on the understanding of the medicinal properties of local flora. The knowledge of which plants to use and how to use them for various ailments is passed down through generations.
La’au Kahea (Prayer): La’au Kahea is the practice of healing through prayer. It is based on the belief in the power of words and the ability of prayer to manifest healing. This practice often involves the use of oli (chants) that are specific to the healing process.
Ho’oponopono (Conflict Resolution): Ho’oponopono is a traditional Hawaiian practice of reconciliation and forgiveness. The word ho’oponopono means “to make right”. The practice includes prayer, discussion, confession, repentance, mutual restitution and forgiveness. It is often practiced among family members to resolve conflicts and restore harmony within the family.
These practices highlight the importance of balance, harmony, and the interconnectedness of all things. They are deeply rooted in the belief that mind, body, and spirit are interconnected, and that healing occurs when balance is achieved within this triad. These practices have been passed down through generations and continue to be an integral part of Hawaiian culture.
Collaborative Art Projects for Families to Heal
Art can be a wonderful way to bring people together and heal rifts within the family unit. Here are three suggestions that incorporate collaborative artmaking:
Collaborative Mural Painting: Choose a wall in your home and create a mural together. This could be a wall painting or a large piece of paper that everyone can add to. Each family member can contribute by painting their own section of the mural. This activity encourages communication, cooperation, and the expression of individual feelings and ideas within a shared space.
Family Sculpture Garden: Using natural materials like stones, twigs, leaves, or even recycled materials, each family member can create their own small sculpture. Once everyone is done, find a spot in your garden to display these sculptures. This not only beautifies your garden but also serves as a constant reminder of your collective creativity and unity.
Story Quilt: Each family member can create a quilt square that tells a story or represents something important to them. Once all the squares are completed, they can be sewn together to create a family story quilt. This quilt can serve as a tangible representation of each individual’s stories and experiences, woven together to form the larger narrative of your family.
Note that the goal of these activities is not to create a perfect piece of art, but to foster communication, understanding, and healing within the family. As you work together on these projects, you’ll have opportunities to share stories, learn more about each other, and strengthen your bonds.
These practices highlight the importance of balance, harmony, and the interconnectedness of all things. As Pablo Picasso once said, “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”
So, why not use art as a form of healing?
Creating a Healing Collage: Five Tips and Tricks
Ready to start your art journey? Here are some tips and tricks to help you create a collage that promotes self-healing.
Incorporate Cultural Symbols: Symbols play a significant role in Asian-Pacific Islander cultures. Cherry blossoms, koi fish, tribal patterns, and many others are deeply rooted in these cultures. Including these symbols in your collage can serve as a powerful reminder of your heritage and identity. As Yo-Yo Ma, a world-renowned cellist of Chinese descent, once said, "When you learn something from people, or from a culture, you accept it as a gift, and it is your lifelong commitment to preserve it and build on it."
Use Natural Elements: Many Asian-Pacific Islander cultures have a profound respect for nature. Incorporating elements like water, mountains, or plants into your collage can create a sense of peace and tranquility, promoting healing. This aligns with the Chinese proverb, "Failure is not falling down but refusing to get up." Just like nature, we too can find ways to rise again.
Color Therapy: Colors can have a profound impact on our emotions. Use colors that promote healing and well-being. For example, green is often associated with growth and renewal, while blue can evoke feelings of calm and peace. As Vera Wang, a famous fashion designer of Chinese descent, said, "Success isn’t about the end result, it’s about what you learn along the way." The colors we choose can reflect our journey and growth.
Mindful Arrangement: Balance and harmony are key principles in many Asian-Pacific Islander cultures. Try to create a sense of balance in your collage, whether it’s through color, shape, or size. This resonates with the words of I.M. Pei, a Chinese American architect, who said, "Success is a collection of problems solved." In art, as in life, balance often comes from working through challenges and finding harmony in the solutions.
Personal Touch: Lastly, add elements that are personal to you. These could be photos, favorite quotes, or mementos. Personal touches can make the collage more meaningful and therapeutic. As George Takei, a Japanese American actor and activist, put it, "I intend to live life, not just exist."
Remember, your personal touches are a testament to your unique journey and existence.
The Impact of Art on Awareness, EI, EQ, and IQ
What are the philosophical implications of art and its impact on our awareness, emotional intelligence (EI), emotional quotient (EQ), and intelligence quotient (IQ)?
Enhancing Awareness:
Art, particularly photojournalism, serves as a mirror to society.
It captures moments that tell stories, evoke emotions, and provide insights into different cultures, societies, and issues. By creating Asian-Pacific Islander themed collages, you’re not only expressing your creativity but also educating others about the rich history, traditions, and values of these cultures. This process of creation and reflection can lead to a deeper understanding of the self and the world around us.
As Confucius said, “Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.” Art helps us see and appreciate this beauty, enhancing our awareness and understanding.
Boosting Emotional Intelligence (EI) and Emotional Quotient (EQ):
Art has a profound impact on our emotional well-being.
It can evoke emotions, provoke thought, and provide a means of expression that can be both cathartic and therapeutic. Regular engagement with art can help individuals recognize, understand, and navigate their emotions in a healthy manner. This practice can enhance empathy, a key component of EQ and EI, as art often conveys emotion and allows us to see the world from different perspectives.
As the Buddha said, “What we think, we become.” Art provides a safe space for us to explore and express our thoughts and emotions, helping us to understand and shape who we are.
Improving Intelligence Quotient (IQ):
Art stimulates communication between various parts of the brain, enhancing cognitive functioning. It bolsters observation skills and analytical thinking. Regular practice forms the bedrock of artistic growth, fostering artistic skills, and refining cognitive abilities. This consistent engagement with art can improve attention, focus, and even memory.
As Albert Einstein, whose theory of relativity revolutionized scientific thought, said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” Art nurtures our imagination, encouraging us to think creatively and outside the box, which in turn enhances our IQ.
What does this all mean then?
Simple. Art is not just a form of expression, but a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
It challenges us to ask, “Who am I?” and “What is my place in the world?”
So, when looking to heal and grow your mindset, look to the rich culture of Asian-Pacific Islanders and combine that with art, photojournalism, collage. Their history shows you how to connect with your roots, focus, find balance, and embrace the journey of self-discovery.
Tell your story through rich textures, hues, and vibrant strokes.
Wicked Rae’s Art Studio will be incorporating these lessons throughout all classes, workshops, and events throughout the month of May to honor Asian-Pacific Islander Heritage Month. To join us, enroll at www.wickedraes.org.
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