Of Gardens and Dreams 2019–2020
On 11 January 2020, the artwork entitled ‘Tactile Expressions’ was presented as part of Singapore Art Week 2020, after months of planning starting from conceptualisation in June 2019, to co-creation workshops held for the public in October and November, to making of the benches by TouchWood GUI and installation in December 2019.
Nature-based art therapy has been practised by art therapists for some time. Personally, the impetus for reaching out to nature for its healing effects began 3 years ago during my art therapy training. Many of us are grieving the loss of nature. Having experienced the grounding effects of being in nature during challenging times, inspired the need to conserve nature and desire to incorporate it into my practice at Creative Earth Art Therapy.
The entire community art experience began with workshops held in nature where participants created sculptures out of found natural objects at Jurong Lake Gardens.
They went on to design 2D art, which were then burnt into wood using pyrography and formed the backrests of the 2 benches. Being with, and witnessing participants' creative process was an invaluable experience for me. Each person's artwork and process reflected who they were, unique personalities with rich inner lives.
The wood for the benches was supplied by TouchWood GUI, the lighter panels made from recycled pallets while the darker wood forming the frame was upcycled from church pews. The craftsmen did a great job with the design and making of the two benches.
During the walking trail for community art around Taman Jurong estate, participants experienced a little response art activity when they arrived at my "stop".
I hope that the residents would enjoy the finished benches, and that it could be a reminder to slow down, have a rest and maybe a chat with a friend, loved one or even a stranger. Having mental wellness and elements of art therapy in one of the artworks for this year's Of Gardens and Dreams, is a small but encouraging step for the future of arts and mental health in Singapore.
Read more about Of Gardens and Dreams
Thanks Shophouse & Co again for curating this. Of Gardens and Dreams is commissioned by National Arts Council Singapore in collaboration with Taman Jurong CACC.
