Artist brings new workshop project to Kingston

A local artist has launched a series of art journaling workshops in an attempt to “incorporate creativity into everyday life”.

Sai Banerjee, a teaching artist and calligrapher, will hold weekly drop-in sessions on Fridays for anyone with an interest in art to develop their own art journal – a visual diary combining drawing, writing, collage and printmaking as a form of expression.

Art journaling workshop
Photo by: Samina Bhatti

“An art journal is a great place to experiment and try out different approaches to art without the pressure of creating a masterpiece,” she said. “Each week, we explore a different medium, theme and technique.

“These sessions not only help participants to gain confidence in their artistic skills, it helps them to de-stress and develop an amazing creative habit that is both enriching and nourishing.”

Budding artists are welcome to experiment with a range of techniques, colours and tools, and all materials are supplied.

Sai holds a Phd in Art History from the University of Essex and is also a mindfulness coach. She firmly believes that art can greatly improve our sense of well-being.

“Based on my own personal experience, I believe that creative practice encourages positivity and significantly improves our well-being,” she said.

A culture of ‘Mindfulness’ has markedly advanced in recent years, which Sai believes is due to rapid advancements of technology and a fast-paced work environment. “People are looking to the old ways”, she said. “They’re looking for something simpler.”

Art journaling. Photo credit: Samina Bhatti

According to recent figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS), the UK has seen an increase in personal well-being rising from 7.29 to 7.52 out of 10.

Art journaling for well-being is just one workshop part of the Open Space scheme offered by Cass Art, which provides local artists a free venue in which to exhibit and share art with the Kingston community.

Sessions run every Friday morning at Cass Art until early December.

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