We are thrilled to be working with Perth Children’s Hospital as part of their Artist in Residence Program to share the power of creativity and connection.

Proudly funded by Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation, this partnership allows us to share the benefits of mandala art and build meaningful connections with some truly inspiring young people, many of whom are navigating challenges with their mental health.

The workshops are a calm space for young people to come and take time out. Between health care procedures, visitors and school (yes, many of them still attend school!) these young people need downtime, and many enjoy time for creativity and self-expression.

It is our priority in these workshops to create a supportive space for young people to connect with their inner selves as well as help them feel more connected and at ease with the world around them.

We spend time getting to know each other, games and fun drawing challenges help us let out a few smiles and giggles and allow for a smoother transition into the creative space.

“We have been incredibly fortunate to engage with Soul Shine Creatives to facilitate mandala art workshops for our young people. From the moment they started, Claire and Cale were professional, responsive, and flexible in meeting the needs of our program, and they consistently exceed expectations with their time and resources. Soul Shine Creatives fosters a safe and welcoming space that encourages creativity and community, and we frequently see participants return week after week. These workshops have proven to be highly valuable, and we wholeheartedly recommend them to any organisation or community group.” Taylor Denning – Art Curator and Program Coordinator, Child and Adolescent Health Service.

 

Creative Expression

Mandala art is an ideal platform for healing and self-expression because it is deeply intuitive and accessible to everyone, regardless of artistic skill. The process of creating mandalas involves repetitive patterns and shapes, which can be calming and meditative, helping to quiet the mind and reduce stress.

Each week over the school term, patients attend the mandala art workshops many returning for multiple weeks in a row.

Unlike traditional art forms, mandala art focuses on the process rather than the outcome, as do most of our art workshops. This removes the pressure to produce a “perfect” piece, allowing individuals to express themselves freely and authentically.

The circular structure of mandalas symbolises wholeness and balance, where everything placed within the mandala becomes an integral part of the whole. This creates a safe and supportive platform for exploring and accepting emotions. We encourage participants to embrace every element of their mandala as a reminder that, just like their artwork, they too are complete and whole.

“No one mandala is the same, and that is part of the magic! Our participants often walk away pleasantly surprised with what they have been able to create in a relatively short space of time. All these beautiful expressions of a moment in time that didn’t exist before they walked through the doors and joined in.” Claire South – Co-Founder, Soul Shine Creatives

 

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