'The Figure Within' 2

This is a development of 'The Figure Within' art therapy technique I am working with for the art therapy course I am doing. There is a direct relationship between this image and the other 2 posts here and here. I may do a post on the whole process, from drawing 1 to 3 but for now, this is my analysis of this one (though it won't fully make sense without the other analyses):

'This drawing tells me that I am ’breathing in the Unconscious’ (because the sea is my symbol for it). I have long periods when I am cut off from my inner world – the practicalities of life get in the way. I know this is happening when I don’t remember my dreams. I haven’t been remembering them for quite a while but started to again when I began the art therapy course.

As well as reconnecting me with the Unconscious the drawing is an affirmation to listen to my own advice – as if doing the drawing will encourage me to commit to doing the meditation. I deliberately went back to complete the drawing of myself over the magazine printout because I have found that the act of ‘doing’ is important in the process.

I like how the paper cutout has wrinkled under the Posca pen and that you can see the edges of the magazine cutout underneath. I also like how the sea is visible through the mouth because it is physically impossible and this dissonance forces the mind into uncomfortable but more creative territory'.

Suffice to say I know what all of this means and it is helpful which confirms that art is a powerfully insightful tool if you know how to use it. If anyone reading this is interested in trying some of the techniques let me know. They are very gentle and don't require artistic talent or know-how. In fact it's possibly easier if you aren't an artist - because you can be authentic without having to grapple with that part of the artistic psyche that expects things to look good! 

Image: Author. Posca pen and ballpoint over magazine printout.