Wondering how we can experience art during these unprecedented times? Or how creatives are finding opportunities to develop their artistic practice without access to a physical space?
Truth be told, the art community, like many others, has taken a pretty hard hit. With the closures of gallery spaces, studios and schools, many, including myself, were left in a slump.
R. Thomas Art took on the challenge to pivot and provide an opportunity for artists to connect and create in a digital space through Figuration, a weekly virtual life drawing drop-in experience.
What started off as a few artists connecting and drawing together grew into a weekly anticipated experience reaching artists and life models across the globe from 10+ countries.
Here is a look at a group virtual exhibition curated by R. Thomas Art showcasing the artwork of the artists and life models who participated in Figuration.
It’s a Movement.
Checkout the full exhibition
https://lnkd.in/gnZxMw3
Culinary Art Therapy
In this special edition of Art Therapy, we provided people who have been feeling socially isolated, tense and anxious an avenue of creativity to relieve stress and connect with like-minded individuals in a fun step by step cooking experience.
Valeska lead open discussions about first initial love for the kitchen, cultural traditions and meal screw ups, trust me it happens to us all!
The session was ended with a food styling competition allowing participants the opportunity to tap into their inner creative.
During these times of uncertainty, it is pivotal for us all to explore different forms of therapy. The Art Therapy series speaks directly to the substantial importance of creativity.
Let art clear your mind and wash away the dust of everyday life.
Art Therapy
To kick off Mental Health Week, R. Thomas Art partnered with Brittany Martin of Forms of Therapy for a special Art Therapy session where we discussed emotions, our current state as a society and expression through colour and creativity. Participants were requested to provide an emotion that they are feeling during COVID-19 and were assigned a colour palette. Those feeling scared, calm or alone were assigned the cool palette and those feeling unsettled, anxious or inquisitive were assigned the warm palette.
Throughout the paint session, Reynold and Brittany spoke openly about vulnerability, the feeling of the unknown and how art as a form of therapy can be a pivotal tool for healing while going through these emotions. The psychology behind the effects of colours speaks directly to the range of emotions that we feel. Those who expressed feelings of sadness, through the current state of society, can also find beauty in the calmness and where there is hostility with the pause in our lives we can find comfort in the time to reflect on what is truly valuable to us.
I Can Turn You Into Art
I Can Turn You Into Art is a figurative series exploring body imagery, inviting all to share in an expedition through self-love, body appreciation and positivity as well as exploring the juxtaposition of empowerment and vulnerability, while towing the fine line between confidence and insecurity. For this series, Thomas found his muse in the female form. Making a call for models, Thomas had muses submit images or pose live in studio, capturing gestures and body positions that encapsulated the theme of self-love and vulnerability.
Thomas desires to unpack body positivism by using the images of I Can Turn You Into Art to amplify the stories the muses have to tell; calling for a shift in the conversation surrounding beauty and identity. “The subjectivity of the artist’s touch captures the female form in a way a camera never can. I get to share the realness of the female form and the inner emotions of the muses,” says Thomas.
“We as women experience so many things with our bodies that are out of our control and societal pressures that make us feel like we have to fit into all of these beauty standards. I am so happy I got to be a part of this series,” Char Viorea shared. “Our bodies are magical, take care of it, love it, improve what you want about it for you and you only.”
Thomas shared, “after listening to the stories that came out of this series, my hope is when the women who have been so vulnerable see their piece, they will see beauty. My hope is other women will see their beauty in it too.”