The range of art activities is wide – from doodling with eyes closed or finger painting, to randomly applying paint with a dropper or modelling with clay. Whatever you choose, art therapy can provide new experiences and, by sharing these, it can show both you and the world what is possible for those living with Parkinson’s.
Trying to control involuntary movement can be tiring but there are ways of achieving a satisfying outcome without strain. Playing with materials, rather than controlling them, encourages participants to enjoy and make the most of chance effects - accidental marks and textures can create original and unique imagery. Below are some examples of different techniques and mediums with which to experiment:
- drawing to music – the listening process diverts attention from concern about the ability to draw, while rhythm prompts movement, and pleasant sounds are relaxing
- meditation and breathing exercises - reduce stress and allow creativity to flourish
- waving Tai Chi movements – this starts as an arm exercise and can then develop into undulating line drawings that become paintings of heaving seas. The trick is to divert attention from worrying about making a finished work of art and ‘go with the flow’ instead
- wet-on-wet watercolour - this is often a preferred medium as the spreading pigment creates its own dynamic and has a calming, therapeutic effect on the mind
- taking part in art therapy groups - can induce positive changes in mood and awareness. Participants often comment that art sessions are highlights of their week. They enjoy the social interaction and benefit from an increased sense of wellbeing as a result of their creative activity.
Of course art should be a pleasure but, for Parkinson’s patients, it’s easy to sit longer than you should to try to create a terrific painting. Kathleen Reardon, who developed the website Painting Doc Workshop for people wounded in war and for those with movement disorders, chronic illnesses and disabilities, has Parkinson’s and learned to paint in layers so she can step away, walk around and then come back when her mind is fresh. In this way, art does not become difficult by being a strain on the mind and body. “It’s easy to forget that a fair amount of time has gone by when you’re painting,” Kathleen says, “then you maybe don’t feel well and the benefits of art are compromised.” It’s difficult to pull away when you think you’re making progress towards a work of art, but Kathleen suggests that the result is usually a much better painting if you do.
Looking at art
For those who are limited either physically or cognitively and cannot produce art themselves, looking at art can be just as therapeutic as creating it and can have a calming and uplifting effect. Enjoying and reacting to other’s artwork can provide an outlet for your own emotions, help evoke memories or stretch your imagination.
