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.
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.”
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.
